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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While abdominal cramping can be a symptom of gastritis, it is not typically a sign of a serious complication that would require immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Bruising of the skin is not typically associated with gastritis. If the client notices unexplained bruising, they should report it, but it is not the most critical symptom to watch for.
Choice C rationale
A low-grade fever can be a symptom of gastritis, but it is not typically a sign of a serious complication. The client should monitor their temperature, but it is not the most critical symptom to watch for.
Choice D rationale
Bloody emesis can be a sign of a serious complication of gastritis, such as a bleeding ulcer. If the client notices bloody or coffee-ground emesis, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
After a gastric endoscopy, it’s common for patients to experience a sore throat. This is due to the passage of the endoscope through the throat during the procedure. The discomfort is usually temporary and can be relieved with lozenges or gargling with warm salt water.
Choice B rationale
While headaches can occur after procedures that involve sedation, they are not commonly associated with gastric endoscopy specifically. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor for headaches, they are not a typical post-procedure problem following a gastric endoscopy.
Choice C rationale
Aching legs are not a common problem following a gastric endoscopy. The procedure primarily involves the upper gastrointestinal tract, and does not directly affect the legs.
Choice D rationale
Nausea can occur after a gastric endoscopy, but it is more commonly associated with the sedation used during the procedure rather than the procedure itself. If nausea does occur, it can be managed with antiemetic medications.
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