Amputation Care and Prosthetics Practice Questions
20 free Amputation Care and Prosthetics practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
A nurse is caring for a client after a below-the-knee amputation. Which action is most appropriate to prevent contractures?
- A Place a pillow under the residual limb at all times
- B Encourage prone positioning several times daily
- C Keep the limb elevated continuously
- D Apply heat packs to the residual limb
Correct answer: Encourage prone positioning several times daily
Prone positioning helps prevent hip flexion contractures by promoting extension. Elevating or placing pillows under the limb for prolonged periods can increase the risk of contractures.
Which statement by a client with a new amputation indicates understanding of residual limb care?
- A I wash the limb daily with warm water and mild soap
- B I should avoid touching the residual limb
- C I will keep the limb covered at all times
- D I should apply lotion before wearing the prosthesis
Correct answer: I wash the limb daily with warm water and mild soap
Daily hygiene with mild soap and warm water helps prevent infection and maintain skin integrity. Lotion should not be applied before prosthesis use as it can cause skin irritation.
A client reports phantom limb pain after an amputation. What is the best initial nursing response?
- A Ignore the pain as it is psychological
- B Administer prescribed pain medications
- C Tell the client the pain will disappear soon
- D Apply cold compresses to the intact limb
Correct answer: Administer prescribed pain medications
Phantom limb pain is real and should be treated appropriately with prescribed medications. Ignoring or dismissing the pain can negatively impact the client’s well-being.
Which position should be avoided for a client after an above-the-knee amputation?
- A Prone position in bed
- B Supine with limb flat
- C Sitting with legs dependent
- D Side-lying position in the bed
Correct answer: Sitting with legs dependent
Prolonged sitting with legs dependent can lead to hip flexion contractures. Proper positioning is essential to maintain joint mobility and prepare for prosthetic use.
Which sign indicates infection in the residual limb?
- A Cool skin temperature
- B Pale appearance
- C Decreased sensitivity
- D Redness and warmth
Correct answer: Redness and warmth
Redness, warmth, and swelling are classic signs of infection. Early identification is important to prevent complications and promote healing.
When teaching about prosthetic care, which instruction is correct?
- A Wear the prosthesis all day initially
- B Avoid removing the prosthesis at night
- C Store the prosthesis in a damp place
- D Clean the prosthesis daily with soap
Correct answer: Clean the prosthesis daily with soap
Daily cleaning prevents bacterial growth and skin irritation. Clients should gradually increase wear time and remove the prosthesis at night.
What is the priority nursing intervention immediately after an amputation surgery?
- A Encouraging early ambulation
- B Teaching prosthetic use
- C Promoting client independence
- D Monitoring for hemorrhage
Correct answer: Monitoring for hemorrhage
Postoperative hemorrhage is a major risk and must be closely monitored. Early detection can prevent life-threatening complications.
Which bandaging technique is recommended for shaping the residual limb?
- A Circular wrapping
- B Loose wrapping
- C Spiral wrapping without tension
- D Figure-eight wrapping
Correct answer: Figure-eight wrapping
Figure-eight wrapping provides even pressure and helps shape the limb for prosthetic fitting. Improper wrapping can lead to edema and poor healing.
A client complains of skin irritation from a prosthesis. What is the nurse’s best advice?
- A Stop using the prosthesis permanently
- B Apply lotion before wearing it
- C Ignore the irritation
- D Ensure proper fit and hygiene
Correct answer: Ensure proper fit and hygiene
Proper fit and cleanliness are essential to prevent irritation. Ill-fitting prostheses can cause skin breakdown and discomfort.
Which goal is most important during the rehabilitation phase after amputation?
- A Complete bed rest
- B Avoiding all physical activity
- C Maintaining isolation
- D Independence in self-care
Correct answer: Independence in self-care
Promoting independence helps improve quality of life and functional outcomes. Rehabilitation focuses on adapting to new physical limitations.
Which intervention helps reduce phantom limb pain?
- A Massage of the residual limb
- B Avoiding all movement
- C Applying tight bandages continuously
- D Keeping the limb elevated at all times
Correct answer: Massage of the residual limb
Massage can help reduce phantom pain by stimulating nerve endings. Other interventions include medications and mirror therapy.
What is the purpose of a rigid dressing after amputation?
- A Guard the limb and reduce edema
- B Increase pain sensation
- C Delay the healing process
- D Prevent early prosthetic fitting
Correct answer: Guard the limb and reduce edema
Rigid dressings protect the surgical site and help control swelling. They also assist in shaping the limb for prosthesis use.
Which complication is most associated with prolonged immobility after amputation?
- A Joint contractures
- B Increased appetite
- C Improved circulation
- D Weight gain
Correct answer: Joint contractures
Immobility can lead to joint stiffness and contractures. Early movement and positioning are key to prevention.
When should a client begin prosthetic training?
- A After the limb fully heals
- B Immediately after the surgery
- C Before the surgery occurs
- D Never, it is not needed
Correct answer: After the limb fully heals
Prosthetic training begins after the limb has healed and swelling has reduced. This ensures proper fit and reduces complications.
Which nutrient is most important for wound healing after amputation?
- A Proteins
- B Carbohydrates
- C Fats
- D Sodium
Correct answer: Proteins
Proteins are essential for tissue repair and healing. Adequate nutrition supports recovery and prevents complications.
What is the primary purpose of stump shrinkers?
- A Increase blood flow to the residual limb
- B Reduce edema and shape the limb
- C Toughen the skin for prosthetic wear
- D Prevent joint contractures
Correct answer: Reduce edema and shape the limb
Stump shrinkers apply consistent pressure to reduce swelling and shape the limb. This prepares the limb for prosthetic fitting.
Which action by the nurse prevents skin breakdown in a client with a prosthesis?
- A Encouraging prolonged wear
- B Inspecting skin daily
- C Ignoring redness
- D Applying tight straps
Correct answer: Inspecting skin daily
Daily skin inspection helps identify early signs of breakdown. Prompt intervention prevents further damage and complications.
A client expresses sadness after amputation. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A Ignore the client's feelings entirely
- B Encourage expression of emotions
- C Tell the client to be strong
- D Avoid discussing the amputation
Correct answer: Encourage expression of emotions
Encouraging emotional expression supports psychological adjustment. Amputation can cause grief, and support is essential for coping.
Which exercise is beneficial for a client after a lower limb amputation?
- A Complete inactivity in bed
- B Upper body strengthening
- C Avoid all movement
- D Only passive exercises
Correct answer: Upper body strengthening
Upper body strength is crucial for mobility and prosthetic use. Active participation improves functional independence.
Which sign indicates proper prosthetic fit?
- A Persistent pain
- B Redness lasting more than 30 minutes
- C Comfort without skin breakdown
- D Frequent slipping
Correct answer: Comfort without skin breakdown
A properly fitted prosthesis should be comfortable and not cause skin damage. Persistent redness or pain indicates poor fit.