Nursing care after upper limb replantation

The theoretical part of this thesis first deals with the anatomy of an upper extremity, then it provides an introduction into traumatology, where a reader learns about amputation injuries, particularly about the types of amputation injury and the elementary first aid in such injuries. Further on it concentrates on the pre-surgery preparation for patients with indication to replantation, the course of the operation, post-surgery care and nursing care for patients after replantation in the upper extremity. The goal of this bachelor thesis was to examine the specifics of the nursing care for patients after replantation in the upper extremity. Nurses caring about such patients have numerous uneasy tasks, which they have to fulfil dutifully and with consideration. To be able to provide these patients with the care corresponding with the standards of nursing care, nurses have to have sufficient knowledge, which was the second goal examined within this thesis. Quantitative methodology was chosen for the achievement of these goals in the practical part. Semi-structured interviews related to the research questions were prepared. The survey sample set consisted of nurses working at the department where amputation injuries are sent most often, the trauma surgery department. We found out that if nurses are not sure how to proceed in the care and do not know the exact principles, they either turn to a physician or to a more experienced colleague. The school curriculum in terms of replantation seems insufficient. As summarization and revision of procedures have their importance, preparation of a seminar Nursing Care for Patients after Replantation in the Upper Extremity appears to be reasonable and helpful for nurses providing care to patients with these problems