For the first 24 hours after a client's leg amputation, the nurse would place the stump
A) Below the level of the heart.
B) elevated on a pillow.
C) flat on the bed.
D) in external rotation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edema is controlled by elevating the stump for the first 24 hours after surgery. After this time, the stump is placed flat to avoid hip contracture. Placing the stump below the level of the heart would impede venous flow and would increase edema. Placing the stump in external rotation would not help with edema control either.

For the First 24 Hours After a Client's Leg Amputation