The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of an inpatient amputee program at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) in Boston; the analysis focused on nursing diagnoses and interventions documented in the medical record. The study was based on a retrospective chart review conducted for 96 inpatient lower-extremity amputees who were admitted from October 1988 through September 1989. The results of the study identified common nursing diagnoses and interventions used for a medically complex population of people who had had amputations. In addition, the study showed that most subjects improved in functional status, thus confirming the success of the program. All subjects were either discharged to their homes or transferred to an acute care facility. The study results will be used to develop a standardized nursing care plan, as well as creative new modalities for patient and family education, at SRH.
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