Question

A teenager with a diagnosis of osteosarcoma is to have the affected leg amputated. What should the nurse do to promote psychological adjustment and early function immediately after surgery

Answer 1

Help him adjust to the temporary prosthesis.

To promote psychological adjustment and early function immediately after surgery, the nurse should help him to adjust to the temporary prosthesis. This will help the patient to adjust to the change and be able to walk even after a few hours after the surgey. 

Answer 2

The nurse should preop preparation is crucial, nurse also support during adjustment to concept of amputation, surgical resection. Body image concerns especially in teens and pain management-phantom limb pain is real. Therapeutic management for osteogenic sarcoma, traditional approach: radical surgical resection or amputation of affected area are Limb-salvage procedures: resection of bone w/prosthetic replacement of affected area. Chemo w/surgical treatment.