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 ["1.80"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to convert the patient’s weight from pounds to kilograms since the dosage is prescribed in mg/kg. We know that 1 kg is approximately 2.20462 pounds. So, the patient’s weight in kilograms is 132 pounds ÷ 2.20462 = 59.87 kg.
Step 2 is to calculate the total dosage of dantrolene needed. The prescribed dosage is 1.5 mg/kg. So, the total dosage is 1.5 mg/kg × 59.87 kg = 89.81 mg.
Step 3 is to calculate the volume of reconstituted dantrolene solution needed to provide the total dosage. The reconstituted solution has a concentration of 50 mg/mL. So, the volume needed is 89.81 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 1.80 mL.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
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