A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following an above-the-knee amputation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote progression toward independence and mobility for the client?

Postoperative care following an above-the-knee amputation focuses on pain control, prevention of complications, and early mobilization to promote functional independence. Early activity supports muscle strength, improves circulation, and prepares the client for prosthetic training. Positioning and mobility interventions are essential to prevent contractures and maintain optimal alignment of the residual limb. Encouraging active participation in movement is a key step toward rehabilitation and independence. Rationale: A. Keeping a loose, absorbent dressing over the surgical site is important for wound protection and drainage absorption, but it does not directly promote mobility or independence. Although wound care is essential in early postoperative management, it is not an active intervention aimed at improving functional movement or self-care ability. B. Encouraging the client to use the overbed trapeze promotes upper body strength, independence in repositioning, and participation in self-care activities. It allows the client to assist with turning, transferring, and maintaining mobility in bed, which is essential for rehabilitation after an amputation. This supports early functional recovery and reduces dependency on staff. C. Cautioning the client to avoid a prone position is incorrect because prone positioning is actually encouraged after amputation to prevent hip flexion contractures. Regular prone positioning helps maintain proper alignment of the residual limb and prepares the client for prosthetic use. Restricting this position could delay rehabilitation progress. D. Maintaining abduction of the residual limb with a pillow is contraindicated because it can promote hip flexion and abduction contractures. Proper positioning after amputation requires keeping the limb in a neutral position without prolonged use of pillows between the legs. This helps preserve muscle length and joint alignment for future prosthetic fitting.