Final answer:
A desirable residual limb should be pliable, painless, and non-adherent. Hardness, tenderness, swelling, redness, sensitivity, numbness, and warmth are not desirable characteristics, as they can indicate potential issues for rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When describing a desirable residual limb, the characteristics that are usually mentioned include being pliable, painless, and non-adherent. A desirable residual limb should not exhibit hardness or tenderness, as these can indicate issues with underlying bone or soft tissue. It should not be adherent, where the skin is stuck to the bone, because this can affect the fit and comfort of prosthetic devices. Pain is not a desirable characteristic as it can interfere with prosthetic use and rehabilitation efforts. Swelling, redness, and sensitivity are signs of inflammation or infection, which are also undesirable. Numbness might protect against pain but can lead to injury due to lack of sensation, while rigid limbs may not fit well into a prosthetic and warm limbs may indicate infection.