The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone 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.

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