Question

A client is experiencing acute pain following the amputation of a limb. What nursing interventions would be most appropriate when treating this client?

a) Increase and decrease the serum level of the analgesic as needed.
b) Encourage the use of nonpharmacologic complementary therapies as adjuncts to the medical regimen.
c) Treat the pain only as it occurs to prevent drug addiction.
d) Do not provide analgesia if there is any doubt about the likelihood of pain occurring.

Answer 1

The most appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing acute pain following limb amputation is to encourage the use of nonpharmacologic therapies alongside medical regimens and to responsibly manage analgesic use to effectively treat pain without excessive reliance on medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client experiencing acute pain following the amputation of a limb would benefit most from nursing interventions that include the encouragement of the use of nonpharmacologic complementary therapies as adjuncts to medical regimens. These therapies can be used along with analgesics to help manage pain without exclusively relying on medications, thus reducing the risk of potential side effects and addiction associated with some pharmacologic pain interventions. This approach aligns with recommendations for managing pain that is caused by inflammation, tissue damage, or nerve damage, and responds to the complexities of acute post-amputation pain that may have both neuropathic and inflammatory components.

It is also important to understand that while analgesics, like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective for low-to-moderate intensity pain, more serious pain might need stronger prescriptions such as opioids. However, due to the risk of addiction, vigilance is needed when employing these analgesics. Treating chronic and postoperative pain effectively often requires a delicate balance between providing sufficient pain relief and avoiding the overuse of medication.