What it means
The loss of a body part such as a toe, foot, leg, finger or arm. Planned amputations are most often done for poor blood flow from peripheral artery disease or diabetes, severe infection, injury or tumor. Levels include below-the-knee and above-the-knee. The remaining part of the limb is called the residual limb.
For the nurse
Watch the residual limb for bleeding and keep a tourniquet nearby per policy. Phantom limb pain is real pain and is treated. To prevent hip and knee contractures, avoid long sitting and pillows under the residual limb, and have the client lie on the stomach for set periods if allowed. Grief over the loss is expected; give support.
At a glance
| Spanish | amputación |
|---|---|
| Also written | amputations, amputate, amputated |
Related terms
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
extremity
An arm or a leg.
peripheral
At or toward the outer parts of the body, away from the center, such as the arms, legs, hands and feet.
contracture
A lasting shortening and tightening of muscle, tendon, skin or joint tissue that keeps a joint from moving through its full range.