Revisión sistémica:Cuidados del paciente amputado.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An amputation is the partial or total removal of a limb. Amputation can be the result of an acute process, such as a traumatic event, or a chronic situation, such as peripheral vascular disease or diabetes mellitus. Surgical amputation is performed at the most distal point possible, which will heal effectively. The chosen place depends on the circulation and the functional utility. Nursing care is essential in the recovery of these patients, since they improve the favorable evolution and recovery of the amputation process. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a literature review of the current scientific evidence on the care of amputee patients. METHODOLOGY: A narrative review of the latest scientific evidence from journals indexed in the databases Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Cuiden,Scielo. RESULTS: The objectives of nursing care in a person with an amputation are: to relieve pain, promote healing, avoid complications, support the patient and their family during the grieving process, and adapt to alterations in body image and restore mobility. Nursing interventions would include: monitoring of bleeding, favoring venous return, avoiding abduction, external rotation and flexion of the amputated lower limb, avoiding sitting position, bandaging the stump, instructing to apply force with pillows, changes frequent posture, dressing change with aseptic technique, pain relief with opioid analgesics, teaching relaxation exercises and physical therapy. CONCLUSION: The nursing professional must know each of these cares that affect both the recovery and healing of the amputation, as well as the acceptance by the patient of their new health situation and their physical appearance.