The day after a having a right below-the-knee amputation, a patient complains of pain in the right foot. Which action is best for the nurse to take?
a. Explain the reasons for the phantom limb pain.
b. Administer prescribed analgesics to relieve the pain.
c. Loosen the compression bandage to decrease incisional pressure.
d. Inform the patient that this phantom pain will diminish over time.
ANS: B
Phantom limb sensation is treated like any other type of postoperative pain would be treated. Explanations of the reason for the pain may be given, but the nurse should still medicate the patient. The compression bandage is left in place except during physical therapy or bathing. Although the pain may decrease over time, it still requires treatment now.
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