A patient, age 89, has had a right below-the-knee amputation. He is progressing well but continues to complain of pain in the toes on his right foot. The physician told him that he is suffering from "phantom pain" in his amputated extremity. He asks the nurse to explain phantom pain. The most appropriate response would be

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phantom pain (pain felt in the missing extremity as if it were still present) may occur and be frightening to the patient. Phantom pain occurs because the nerve tracts that register pain in the amputated area continue to send a message to the brain (this is normal).

A Patient, Age 89, Has Had a Right Below-The-Knee Amputation