position after above knee amputation

[afriqlove]

what is the best position to put a patient after AKA.ONE BOOK says prone whiles the other says supine.lm confused rite now:confused:. pls help

[notmanydaysoff]

according to saunders 4th edition NCLEX-PN, pg 193:

during first 24 hrs, elevate foot of the bed to reduce edema. support stump w/pillows but not elevated b'cuz of risk of flexion contractions.

also says, consult w/the MD and then position pt prone BID for 20 to 30 min to stretch muscles and prevent flexion contractions.

so, it looks like both positions are used!

[afriqlove]

thank you notsomanydayoff, thats good information

[caliotter3]

Hopefully you won't be asked this specific question with an expected answer that deviates from the info in Saunders. Good luck.