The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who underwent a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma.
The adolescent reports experiencing phantom limb pain.
Which non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?
Reassure that this can be a normal post-surgical sensation.
Guide in moving the non-affected 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 A
Choice A rationale
Reassuring the adolescent that experiencing phantom limb pain can be a normal post-surgical sensation is the correct choice. Phantom limb pain is a common occurrence after amputation and can be very distressing for the patient. The nurse should validate the patient’s experience and provide reassurance. Non-pharmacological interventions such as mirror therapy, visualization, and other cognitive-behavioral strategies can also be helpful.
Choice B rationale
Guiding the patient in moving the non-affected limb to override the sensation being experienced is not the most appropriate intervention. While some therapies for phantom limb pain involve focusing on the remaining limb, this should be done under the guidance of a trained therapist.
Choice C rationale
Telling the patient that the sensations of tingling and pain are not real is not an appropriate intervention. Although the limb is no longer there, the pain that the patient is experiencing is very real. It is important to validate the patient’s experience and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice D rationale
Affirming that a prosthetic with physical therapy will gradually improve the symptoms is not the most appropriate intervention. While using a prosthetic and engaging in physical therapy can help with overall recovery and adaptation after amputation, they do not directly address phantom limb pain. The pain is a result of mixed signals from the brain and nerves, and it requires specific interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Determining the presence of ST-elevations or non-ST-elevations on the electrocardiogram is an important step in diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, this is typically performed by a healthcare provider or a trained technician, not a nurse.
Choice B rationale
While creating a calm and quiet environment can be beneficial for a client experiencing chest pain, it is not the immediate intervention that should be performed. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Choice C rationale
Verifying that troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3-6 hours for a series of three is important for diagnosing myocardial infarction. However, this is not the immediate intervention that should be performed. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Choice D rationale
Applying oxygen via nasal cannula and titrating to keep oxygen saturation above 93% is the correct intervention. This action helps to increase the oxygen supply to the myocardium, potentially decreasing the extent of myocardial damage and relieving chest pain.
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