The nurse is caring for a patient after undergoing an above-the-knee amputation (AKA). The nurse encourages the patient to begin exercising the affected limb:
Explanation
• Exercise of the amputated limb should begin the day after surgery to maintain muscle tone
• Immediately after surgery, the patient is usually in pain and not alert enough to perform exercises
• Waiting for 5 days or until discharge will result in muscle atrophy