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Pffi'SICAL CARE
This item was included in order to focus on the physical aspect ofthe patient, especially
the amputated limb or limbs. This care includes wound care when the stump is new with
a fresh wound, stump bandaging or coning, stump massage, stump position and exercise
ofthe stump thus promoting healing to the wound. Stump coning is done while the stump
has a wound till it heals in order to mould the stump in preparation for the prosthesis.
This item was therefore included to investigate whether amputees are given enough
knowledge and practice to face this challenge. The amputees have to perform these
procedures independently by the time they are discharged.
5.5.1 ITEM 12 CARE OF THE STUMP
TABLES.IO CARE OFTHE STUMP
Health Education Yes Percentage No Percentage
Wound Care 20 80% 5 20%
Stump Bandaging IS 60% 10 40%
Stump Massage 14 56% II 44%
Positioning of Stump 10 40% 15 60%
Exercise ofStump 10 40% 15 60%
Table 4.10 shows that (20) 80% were educated about wound care, (15) 60% educated
about stump bandaging, and (14) 56% educated about stump massage, as compared to
(15) 60% who were not educated about stump positioning and exercise. This indicates
that there is a need of rehabilitation nurses who will be responsible for this aspect of
rehabilitation. Davis (1994:18) stresses that a rehabilitation nurse must work with the
client and his family and provide a service oftraining, information and support.
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