Question

A young male client is admitted to rehabilitation following a right above the knee amputation for a severe traumatic injury. He is in the commons room and anxiously calls out to the nurse, stating that his right foot is aching. The nurse offers reassurance and support. Which additional intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Answer 1

The most important intervention is to provide pain management for phantom limb pain after an amputation, including medications and non-pharmacological therapies, and to offer psychological support and reassurance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important intervention for a nurse to implement when a patient experiences phantom limb pain following an amputation is to administer appropriate pain management, which includes medications prescribed for neuropathic pain, and provide psychological support. It is critical to acknowledge the patient's pain as a real experience, even though the limb is no longer there. Pain management techniques might include the use of analgesics, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants that are effective for neuropathic pain. Additionally, non-pharmacological interventions such as mirror therapy, massage, heat application, or relaxation techniques could also be beneficial to the patient. Emotional support and reassurance are essential in helping the patient cope with the sensory illusions of phantom limb pain.