A patient is recovering from a below the knee amputation. For which of the following complications should the nurse assess in this patient? Select all that apply.

Question

A patient is recovering from a below the knee amputation. For which of the following complications should the nurse assess in this patient?  Select all that apply.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the patient has undergone a below the knee (BTK) amputation, the nurse should assess for phantom pain, infection, chronic stump pain, and contractures. Phantom pain is a common complication seen after any amputation. The nurse should assess the patient for phantom sensations, such as feeling the missing limb as present, and phantom pain, such as a burning or shooting pain in the absent limb. Infection is a potential risk since patients undergoing amputations undergo surgery, which increases the chance of infection. Chronic stump pain after amputation is a type of chronic pain that occurs in the stump and can be difficult to manage. Lastly, contractures are a risk since the patient may have decreased range of motion in the hip and knee of the affected limb, which will increase the chance of developing contractures.

A Patient Is Recovering from a Below the Knee Amputation