K.N.O.W. Home Health - AMPUTATION (ACCIDENTIAL)

UNDERSTANDING AMPUTATION INJURIES

1. Understanding the Injury

Type of Injury: An amputation is when part of your arm, leg, finger, or toe is removed. This can be done on purpose by a doctor because of illness or injury, or it may happen by accident.

Location and Severity: The injury can be partial (just part of the limb) or complete (entire limb). The level of severity depends on how much tissue was removed and the overall health of the remaining limb.

Cause/Risk Factors: Amputations can happen from accidents, severe infections, poor blood flow, diabetes complications, cancer, or trauma.

2. Symptoms to Watch For

Pain: Some discomfort or pain at the site is normal after surgery or injury.

Signs of Infection: Look for redness that spreads, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever.

Delayed Complications: Some people may notice numbness, tingling, or phantom limb pain (feeling pain where the limb used to be). Watch for any swelling or skin changes around the stump.

3. Post-Hospitalization Information

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Keep all follow-up appointments.

Watch for changes in wound healing, swelling, or pain.

4. Home Management & Recovery

Pain Management: Take medicines as prescribed. Ice or elevation may help.

Mobility: Use crutches, walkers, or prosthetics as instructed. Avoid putting weight on the stump until cleared.

Wound Care: Always keep the area clean and dry. Follow your physician’s instructions exactly. Contact home health or your doctor if the wound looks infected or the skin breaks down.

Rest and Rehabilitation: Allow your body to heal. Gentle exercises may be recommended to improve strength and flexibility.

5. Prevention of Complications

Infection Prevention: Wash hands before touching the wound, keep dressings clean, and avoid dirty or contaminated water.

Fall Prevention: Remove trip hazards, use rails or grab bars, and make sure areas are well-lit.

Monitoring for Delayed Symptoms: Watch for increased pain, redness, swelling, or fever. Report unusual changes immediately.

6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER

Call Home Health: For routine wound checks, questions about dressing changes, or mild pain or swelling.

Go to ER Immediately: Heavy bleeding, spreading redness, high fever, severe pain not relieved by medicine, or sudden swelling.

Patient Homework / Assessment – True or False

1. TRUE or FALSE: An amputation is when part or all of a limb is removed.

2. TRUE or FALSE: Only accidents can cause amputations.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Infection after an amputation can show as redness, warmth, or pus.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Phantom limb pain is a normal sensation that may happen after an amputation.

5. TRUE or FALSE: Pain after an amputation should never be reported to your doctor.

6. TRUE or FALSE: Following your doctor’s wound care instructions can prevent complications.

7. TRUE or FALSE: Swelling around the stump is always normal and never a concern.

8. TRUE or FALSE: You should keep your amputation site clean and dry.

9. TRUE or FALSE: It is safe to put full weight on the stump immediately after surgery unless cleared by your doctor.

10. TRUE or FALSE: Gentle exercises may help improve strength after an amputation.

11. TRUE or FALSE: Handwashing before touching your wound can help prevent infection.

12. TRUE or FALSE: You do not need to remove trip hazards at home after an amputation.

13. TRUE or FALSE: Redness that spreads and fever are signs you should call the ER.

14. TRUE or FALSE: Home health can help with routine wound care and questions about pain.

15. TRUE or FALSE: Only severe injuries require monitoring after an amputation.

16. TRUE or FALSE: Amputations can sometimes be caused by infections, poor blood flow, or diabetes complications.

17. TRUE or FALSE: Prosthetics or mobility devices may be used after an amputation.

18. TRUE or FALSE: You should ignore unusual changes in your stump because they usually go away.

19. TRUE or FALSE: Removing part of a limb can be either partial or complete.

20. TRUE or FALSE: Following all instructions and going to follow-up appointments helps your healing.

Answer Key with Explanations

1. TRUE – Amputation means part or all of a limb is removed.

2. FALSE – Amputations can also be due to disease, infection, or poor circulation.

3. TRUE – Signs of infection include redness, warmth, pus, or swelling.

4. TRUE – Phantom limb pain is common after amputations and feels like pain in the missing limb.

5. FALSE – Pain should always be reported so it can be managed safely.

6. TRUE – Following wound care instructions reduces risk of infection or poor healing.

7. FALSE – Some swelling is normal, but excessive or worsening swelling may indicate a problem.

8. TRUE – Keeping the site clean and dry is essential for healing.

9. FALSE – Only put weight on the stump when your doctor says it is safe.

10. TRUE – Gentle exercises can aid recovery and strength.

11. TRUE – Handwashing prevents germs from infecting the wound.

12. FALSE – Removing trip hazards is important to prevent falls.

13. TRUE – Spreading redness and fever are serious and need immediate attention.

14. TRUE – Home health can monitor wound healing and answer questions.

15. FALSE – All amputations require monitoring, even if mild.

16. TRUE – Disease, infections, or poor circulation can cause amputations.

17. TRUE – Prosthetics and mobility aids help with walking or using arms after amputation.

18. FALSE – Unusual changes should be reported promptly.

19. TRUE – Amputations can be partial (part of the limb) or complete (entire limb).

20. TRUE – Following instructions and attending appointments improves healing.