HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone related questions and content

A young male client is admitted to rehabilitation following a right AKA (above-the-knee amputation) for a severe traumatic injury. He is in the commons room and anxiously calls out to the nurse, stating that his 'right foot is aching.' The nurse offers reassurance and support. Which additional intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

  • A. Teach the client distraction techniques
  • B. Provide a soft blanket to ease discomfort
  • C. Administer prescribed pain medication
  • D. Encourage discussion of feelings about the loss of his limb
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The client's report of pain in a missing limb is consistent with phantom limb pain, which can be distressing. Encouraging the client to discuss his feelings helps address the emotional and psychological aspects of the amputation and supports his overall recovery. Teaching distraction techniques (choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying emotional distress. Providing a soft blanket (choice B) is not the priority when dealing with phantom limb pain. Administering pain medication (choice C) may not effectively manage phantom limb pain as it is more related to central nervous system changes rather than tissue damage.