A male client had a right below-the-knee amputation 4 days ago. His incision is healing well. He has gotten out of bed several times and sat at the side of the bed. Each time after returning to bed, he has experienced pain as if it were located in his right foot. Which nursing measure indicates the nurse has a thorough understanding of phantom pain and its management?
A. Phantom pain is entirely in the client’s mind. The client should be instructed that the pain is psychological and should not be treated.
B. The basis for phantom pain may occur because the nerves still carry pain sensation to the brain even though the limb has been amputated. The pain is real, intense, and should be treated.
C. The cause of phantom pain is unknown. The nurse should provide the client with support, promote sleep, and handle the injured limb smoothly and gently.
D. Phantom pain is caused by trauma, spasms, and edema at the incisional site. It will decrease when postoperative edema decreases. It should be treated with nonnarcotic medication whenever possible.
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