Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients With Musculoskeletal Trauma Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients With Musculoskeletal Trauma related questions and content

A patient who has undergone a lower limb amputation is preparing to be discharged home. What outcome is necessary prior to discharge?

  • A. Patient can demonstrate safe use of assistive devices.
  • B. Patient has a healed, nontender, nonadherent scar.
  • C. Patient can perform activities of daily living independently.
  • D. Patient is free of pain.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A patient should be able to use assistive devices appropriately and safely prior to discharge. Scar formation will not be complete at the time of hospital discharge. It is anticipated that the patient will require some assistance with ADLs postdischarge. Pain should be well managed, but may or may not be wholly absent.