Question

Several months after a foot injury, and adult woman is diagnosed with neuropathic pain. The client describes the pain as severe and burning and is unable to put weight on her foot. She asks the nurse when the pain will "finally go away." How should the nurse respond?

Answer 1

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition caused by nerve damage, where treatment options include relaxation therapy, analgesics, and deep brain stimulation. Nurses should provide realistic expectations and discuss various treatment approaches to manage the pain effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neuropathic pain, such as the severe and burning sensation described by the adult woman, is caused by damage to neurons in the peripheral or central nervous system, leading to exaggerated pain signals being sent to the brain. As a nurse responding to her inquiry about when the pain will "finally go away," it is essential to manage expectations realistically by highlighting that neuropathic pain can be chronic and persistent, but there are multiple treatment options available to manage and potentially lessen the pain. These options include relaxation therapy, the use of analgesic medications, and even deep brain stimulation. The prescription will depend on various factors such as the severity of the pain and the individual's medical and psychological conditions. Offering professional support and ongoing pain management strategies is crucial for the patient's quality of life.