The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who had a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma and is experiencing phantom limb pain.
What non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?

Reassure that this can be a normal post-surgical sensation.

Guide in moving the unaffected limb to override the sensation being experienced.

Explain that the sensations of tingling and pain are not real.

Affirm that a prosthetic with physical therapy will gradually improve the symptoms.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that phantom limb pain can be a normal post-surgical sensation, simply reassuring the patient doesn’t address the pain they’re experiencing.
Choice B rationale
Guiding in moving the unaffected limb to override the sensation being experienced is not a recommended intervention for phantom limb pain. Phantom limb pain is a complex phenomenon that is not simply overridden by movement of other body parts.

Choice C rationale
Explaining that the sensations of tingling and pain are not real may invalidate the patient’s experience. Phantom limb pain is a real phenomenon experienced by many amputees. It’s not just a sensation; it’s a type of neuropathic pain that can be severe and debilitating.
Choice D rationale
Affirming that a prosthetic with physical therapy will gradually improve the symptoms is the best non-pharmacological intervention among the choices. Physical therapy, including mirror therapy and other desensitization techniques, can help manage phantom limb pain. The use of a prosthetic can help the patient regain function and mobility, which can also improve their overall well-being and potentially reduce the perception of phantom limb pain.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with certain medical conditions or those who are NPO (nothing by mouth)7.
Choice B rationale

Feeding the client a snack can help maintain energy levels, but it may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with dietary restrictions or those who are NPO7.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is an important part of respiratory assessment, but it is not typically within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). This task should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate task for a UAP to perform each time the client is turned. This helps ensure accurate measurement of urinary output and prevents infection by keeping the bag below the level of the bladder.

A. One positive response indicates the patient should seek help with alcohol addiction. B. All responses to the CAGE Questionnaire must be positive to suggest alcohol dependence. C. The CAGE Questionnaire is a tool used to identify general substance abuse. D. At least two positive responses are strongly suggestive of alcohol dependence.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While any positive response on the CAGE questionnaire could be a cause for concern and warrant further investigation, one positive response does not definitively indicate that the patient should seek help with alcohol addiction. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool used to identify potential problems with alcohol, but it is not diagnostic. A healthcare provider would need to conduct a more thorough assessment to diagnose alcohol addiction.
Choice B rationale
It is not necessary for all responses to the CAGE questionnaire to be positive in order to suggest alcohol dependence. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool, and while a greater number of positive responses increases the likelihood of alcohol dependence, it is not a requirement for all responses to be positive. A score of two or more is considered clinically significant.

Choice C rationale
The CAGE questionnaire is indeed a tool used to identify potential problems with alcohol, but it is not used to identify general substance abuse. The CAGE questionnaire specifically asks about feelings related to alcohol use. There are other screening tools available that are designed to identify issues with other substances.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. The CAGE questionnaire is a validated screening tool that is widely used in clinical settings to detect alcoholism. It is considered positive, and suggestive of alcohol dependence, if two or more questions are answered affirmatively.

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The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who had a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma and is experiencing phantom limb pain. What non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized older client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. What additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to perform each time the client is turned?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The patient provides three positive responses to items on the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) query. What interpretation should the nurse provide to the patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who had a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma and is experiencing phantom limb pain.
What non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?