Question

A 60-year-old patient who has diabetes had a below-knee amputation 1 week ago. The patient asks why does it still feel like my leg is attached, and why does it still hurt? The nurse explains neuropathic pain in terms that are accessible to the patient. The nurse should describe what pathophysiologic process?

1) The proliferation of nociceptors during times of stress
2) Age-related deterioration of the central nervous system
3) Psychosocial dependence on pain medications
4) The abnormal reorganization of the nervous system

Answer 1

The nurse should describe the abnormal reorganization of the nervous system to explain why a 60-year-old diabetes patient experiences the sensation and pain in their amputated leg.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should describe the pathophysiologic process of the abnormal reorganization of the nervous system to explain why a 60-year-old diabetes patient who had a below-knee amputation still feels like their leg is attached and experiences pain. Damage to neurons in the peripheral or central nervous system can result in neuropathic pain, where pain signals sent to the brain are exaggerated. This abnormal reorganization of the nervous system can cause the patient to perceive sensations and pain in the amputated limb.