The nurse reviews discharge teaching about residual limb care for a client who had a lower limb amputation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Residual limb care following an above-knee amputation (AKA) or a below-knee amputation (BKA) is an important component of rehabilitation and focuses on maintaining skin integrity, controlling pain, preventing infection, and restoring mobility. It is also important for the nurse to consider that the client may experience grief due to disturbed body image. The nurse should include the following residual limb care instructions when discharging a client after an AKA or BKA: Clean the limb by washing it daily with soap and warm water. Thoroughly dry after washing to prevent skin maceration (Option E). Thoroughly inspect the limb for signs of infection (eg, redness) and areas that may be at risk for infection (eg, irritation, skin breakdown) (Option A). Keep limb socks, wraps, and appliances/prostheses clean and dry (Option B). Perform daily range-of-motion exercises to improve muscle strength and mobility. Hip flexion contractures are a common complication during the recovery process. Nurses should teach clients to lie prone several times each day and to avoid sitting in a chair for ≥1 hour (Option C). (Option D) Clients should be taught to avoid applying potential irritants (eg, alcohol, lotion, powder) to the residual limb, unless prescribed by the health care provider. This reduces the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Educational objective: Clients who have undergone lower limb amputation should be taught to wash the residual limb daily with warm water and soap; inspect the limb for redness or irritation; keep limb socks, wraps, and appliances clean and dry; and lie prone several times daily to prevent hip contractures.

The Nurse Reviews Discharge Teaching About Residual Limb Care for a Client