The nurse receives a client from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following an above-the-knee amputation. Which should be the initial action the nurse takes to safely position the client?

Following an above-the-knee amputation, the residual limb is typically elevated for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and promote venous return, which helps prevent complications such as edema. Positioning the client on the operative side with the residual limb slightly elevated (e.g., on a pillow) is the safest initial action to achieve this. Elevating the foot of the bed (option 1) may not specifically target the residual limb and could cause discomfort. Reverse Trendelenburg (option 2) elevates the head, which is not relevant to limb positioning. Keeping the limb flat (option 3) does not address swelling reduction.