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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While obtaining a serum drug screen might be helpful in confirming the presence of benzodiazepines or other substances, it is not the most immediate concern in a client experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and would not be effective in managing withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines.
Choice C rationale
Seizure precautions should be initiated as withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the client by initiating seizure precautions is the best initial nursing action.
Choice D rationale
While education is an important part of nursing care, in this situation, the client’s immediate physical needs take precedence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the history and physical (H&P), nurse’s notes, flow sheet, and orders is a standard part of nursing care for any patient. However, in the case of a 3-week-old infant who has had a seizure, this action alone would not directly address the condition the infant is most likely experiencing.
Choice B rationale
While calling for a chest x-ray could be part of the diagnostic process for certain conditions, it is not typically the first action taken in response to a seizure in an infant.
Choice C rationale
Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, can cause seizures in infants. Phenytoin, the medication given to the baby in the ambulance, is used to control seizures. Therefore, hypocalcemia could be the condition the infant is experiencing.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the respiratory rate is an important part of assessing any patient’s condition, especially an infant who has had a seizure. However, it does not specify the condition the infant is most likely experiencing.
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