Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

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What is the most common complication to monitor for after a traumatic limb amputation?

Severe pain
Hemorrhage
Infection
Stiffness

The correct answer is: Hemorrhage

The most common complication to monitor for after a traumatic limb amputation is hemorrhage. After an amputation, there is an immediate risk of significant blood loss due to the severing of blood vessels. It is critical for healthcare providers to closely observe the surgical site for signs of excessive bleeding, as this can lead to hypovolemic shock and other life-threatening situations. Rapid assessment of the patient’s vital signs, along with monitoring for any blood soaking through dressings or pooling around the site, is essential in the immediate post-operative period. Hemorrhage can occur either during the initial surgery or in the subsequent hours due to issues such as the failure of a clot to form or the dislodgement of a surgical closure. While severe pain, infection, and stiffness are important postoperative concerns, they do not typically pose the immediate life-threatening risk that hemorrhage does. Therefore, vigilance for signs of bleeding should be prioritized in the care of a patient following a traumatic limb amputation.