Alan Dean, a 42-year-old patient, is admitted to the medical-surgical unit after a left below-the-knee amputation (BKA) for a traumatic injury at an industrial job. The patient has two Jackson Pratt drains, and a removable rigid dressing was placed over the soft dressing after surgery. There is a large tourniquet at the bedside. There are also ace wraps and bandaging supplies at the bedside. (Learning Objectives 8 and 9)

Definition of the Medical Diagnosis/ Etiology and Pathophysiology Below the Knee Amputation (BKA)

Common Signs and Symptoms

Potential Complications

Head to Toe Physical Assessment

Solution

–Amputation is the removal of the entire extremity without replacing it.  BKA is the          amputation through the tibia and fibula (through the leg bones) usually approximately 6-8         inches below the knee.

Etiology:

• Trauma or injury
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Diabetes
• Blood Clots
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)

Pathophysiology:

            – Amputation of the lower extremity is often the treatment of choice for an unreconstructable or a functionally unsatisfactory limb. The higher the level of a lower-  limb amputation, the greater the energy expenditure that is required for walking. The more proximal the amputation, the slower the walking speed of an individual. The    oxygen consumption also increases.…………..please follow the link below to purchase the solution at $15