Postoperative care for a transtibial or transfemoral amputation should include

• A. Include a plan for getting the patient out of bed
• B. Avoid bed exits until discharge
• C. Do not involve OT/PT in bed mobility
• D. Keep patient confined to bed

Answer: (A)

Early mobility and a structured progression to upright activities are central to postoperative care after transtibial or transfemoral amputation. Planning to get the patient out of bed soon after surgery supports several key goals: it helps prevent pulmonary complications like atelectasis and pneumonia by improving ventilation and oxygenation, enhances circulation to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and aids edema control in the residual limb. It also preserves joint range of motion and reduces the risk of contractures, particularly in the hip for transfemoral levels, while promoting residual limb conditioning and readiness for prosthetic fitting.

Involving occupational and physical therapy ensures safe, gradual progression with proper transfers, standing tolerance, and functional activities that build toward sitting up, standing, and eventually walking with a prosthesis. Keeping the patient confined to bed or delaying therapy would increase deconditioning, stiffness, and other complications, hindering recovery and discharge planning.