PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What should a nurse do first for a client post above-the-knee amputation who reports pain in the absent limb?

1. Collaborate with the physical therapist to initiate alternative pain therapies.

2. Remind the client that the limb is no longer present.

3. Ask the provider to increase the opioid frequency.

4. Recommend referral for mental health support.

The correct answer is: Collaborate with the physical therapist to initiate alternative pain therapies.

In the context of above-the-knee amputation and the reporting of pain in the absent limb, the correct approach involves recognizing and addressing the complex nature of phantom limb pain. The first action should be to collaborate with a physical therapist to initiate alternative pain therapies, as non-pharmacological interventions can be beneficial in managing this type of pain. Alternative therapies can include techniques such as mirror therapy, which helps the brain reprocess sensations and may alleviate the sensation of pain in the missing limb. Additionally, physical therapists can provide strategies to help the patient cope with pain through physical rehabilitation exercises, which may also reduce discomfort and improve overall mobility. While reminding the client that the limb is no longer present could be a point of education, it is unlikely to alleviate the distress caused by phantom pain. Increasing opioid frequency might offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of phantom pain, which does not typically respond well to traditional pain medications. Referral for mental health support might be necessary later on, but immediate intervention should focus on pain management strategies that can be initiated quickly and effectively.