You are caring for a client who is on the surgical unit of the hospital. He claims his pain medicine is not working and he needs more. You assess him and find that he is unable to tell you directly where his pain is
He has had a recent amputation of his right leg from a traumatic injury, but he states his pain is in his right leg.
a. What type of pain is he probably having?
b. What other signs and symptoms would he possibly have?
c. How would you assess this client for pain?
Students' answers should include the following:
a. Neuropathic pain, which is phantom pain, because he is focusing on a loss of a limb (leg)
Discussion can include how the client still will have symptoms of the limb perceived as being there and what symptoms may be felt.
b. A list of what symptoms and signs the client may also experience besides the phantom pain can be included here such as itching, burning, spasms, etc.
c. Discussion on how to assess the client includes what the client feels and perceives of pain.
You might also like to view...
A nurse practitioner reports that your patient's abdominal x-ray demonstrates multiple air-fluid levels in the bowel. This is a diagnostic finding found in:
A. Appendicitis B. Cholecystitis C. Bowel obstruction D. Diverticulitis
A nurse is conducting a health history for a woman at a local clinic. The woman tells the nurse, "I feel like I am a man trapped in this woman's body." What term is given to this feeling?
A) heterosexual B) homosexual C) bisexual D) transsexual
A patient has been admitted to the detoxification unit after binge drinking. Even though the patient is not currently intoxicated, he is combative and exhibits altered thought processes. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
A) Risk for Injury related to effects of alcohol abuse B) Risk for Self-Mutilation related to alcohol withdrawal and altered thought processes C) Risk for Other-Directed Violence related to alcohol withdrawal D) Risk for Delayed Development related to chronic effects of alcohol intoxication
The nurse is reviewing the process of mitosis with a group of young adults attending a family planning seminar. What should the nurse include when explaining the role of mitosis? Select all that apply
1. Replaces lost skin cells 2. Ensures rapid cell growth in early life 3. Results in the formation of sperm and ova 4. Maintains cells for respiratory functioning 5. Ensures continuity of cells in the gastrointestinal tract