What is the primary concern when assessing a client's surgical site after amputation?

The primary concern when assessing a client's surgical site after amputation is monitoring for signs of infection. After an amputation, the surgical site is vulnerable to infection due to the open wound and potential exposure to pathogens. Observing for symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or fever is essential for early detection and intervention, which can significantly impact the healing process and overall recovery.

While ensuring the dressing is intact and assessing the client's comfort level are important aspects of postoperative care, they are secondary concerns in comparison to the immediate risk of infection. Assessing mobility, while crucial for rehabilitation, does not directly address the critical issue of the surgical site itself in the early postoperative phase. Therefore, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence in ensuring the client's health and recovery trajectory is on the right path.