An unlicensed assistive staff member reports to the nurse that a client with a recent arm amputation wants pain medication for hand pain in the missing limb. The staff member states the client is "obviously drug seeking since there can't be pain in the fingers." What response by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client is experiencing phantom nerve pain which results in feelings of pain in the missing limbs. It is important to believe the client and treat the pain as unrelieved pain has detrimental effects on recovery. The nurse would explain this to the staff member. Simply stating that the client will get pain medication does not provide the staff member with any education about the condition, and pain medications are often ineffective for phantom pain. The client does not need a psychiatric consultation based on this report, nor should the nurse question the client's orientation.

An Unlicensed Assistive Staff Member Reports to the Nurse That