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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the sensitivity of genetic markers can influence the choice of treatment, it is not the primary pathophysiological process involved in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing. The main purpose of these tests is to identify genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Choice B rationale
BRCA1 and BRCA2 do play a role in protecting mature, functioning breast and ovarian cells. However, this is not the primary reason for conducting BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing. The main purpose of these tests is to identify mutations that increase cancer risk.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can significantly increase a person’s risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer. Therefore, identifying these mutations through genetic testing can help determine a person’s cancer risk.
Choice D rationale
While inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 can influence the prognosis of breast cancer, the primary purpose of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing is to identify mutations that increase cancer risk, not to determine prognosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining nasal packing is important after a hypophysectomy, especially if the surgery was performed through the nose (transnasal). However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)4.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring intake and output is a standard nursing intervention in the PACU. It helps assess the patient’s fluid balance and kidney function. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease following a hypophysectomy.
Choice C rationale
Providing frequent oral care is important for patient comfort and prevention of infections, but it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the PACU following a hypophysectomy.
Choice D rationale
Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees is the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the PACU following a hypophysectomy. This position helps reduce swelling, decreases the risk of aspiration, and promotes effective breathing and drainage.
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