Question

A nurse is caring for a client who had a BKA for gangrene of the foot. The client knows that the foot has been amputated but reports severe pain in the toes of the injured foot. The nurse should recognize this as:

A. an actual pain sensation.
B. a delusional belief.
C. a referred postoperative incisional pain.
D. a defense mechanism of denial.

Answer 1

The client is experiencing phantom limb pain, a real sensation where patients feel pain in an amputated limb due to nerve endings sending signals to the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should recognize the client reporting severe pain in the toes of the amputated foot as A. an actual pain sensation. This phenomenon is known as phantom limb pain, where patients experience sensations, including pain, in a limb that has been amputated. Although the limb is no longer present, nerve endings at the site of the amputation continue to send pain signals to the brain, which makes the brain think the limb is still there. Phantom limb pain is a real experience and can be extremely distressing to the patient. It is important for healthcare providers to acknowledge this pain and provide appropriate management, which may include medications, physical therapy, and psychological support.