A patient complains of pain in the foot of a leg that was recently amputated. What should the nurse recognize about this pain?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) It should be treated with ordered analgesics. In this scenario, the patient is experiencing phantom limb pain, a common phenomenon where individuals feel pain in a limb that has been amputated. This pain can be intense and debilitating for some patients. Using analgesics can help manage this pain effectively, providing relief and improving the patient's comfort. Option A is incorrect because while swelling at the incision site can cause pain, in this case, the pain is likely due to the phenomenon of phantom limb pain rather than incision-related issues. Option C is incorrect because the pain is not necessarily related to the use of a prosthesis. Phantom limb pain can occur regardless of whether a prosthesis is being used. Option D is incorrect because phantom limb pain is a real physiological phenomenon, not purely psychological. While psychological factors can contribute to pain perception, the pain experienced by the patient is not solely psychological and should be treated with appropriate pain management strategies. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand the complexities of pain management, especially in unique situations like phantom limb pain. By recognizing the nature of this pain and knowing appropriate interventions like analgesics, nurses can provide optimal care to patients experiencing such discomfort.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In osteoarthritis (OA), the pain experienced in later stages is mainly due to bone surfaces rubbing together (Option D). As OA progresses, the protective cartilage between bones wears down, leading to direct contact between bones during movement, causing pain. Option A, crepitation, refers to the grating, crackling, or popping sounds heard with joint movement in OA but is not the primary cause of pain. Options B and C, Bouchard's and Heberden's nodes respectively, are bony enlargements seen in OA but are not directly responsible for the pain. These nodes are a result of osteophyte formation at the joint margins, which can limit movement but do not directly cause the pain associated with bone-on-bone contact. Understanding the pathophysiology of OA is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, as they play a vital role in assessing and managing patients with this condition. Recognizing the primary source of pain in OA helps in providing appropriate interventions and education to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "When my joints are painful, I can use a bag of frozen corn for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve the pain." This answer is correct because using a bag of frozen corn for a short duration can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, which is beneficial for someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cold therapy helps to numb the area, reduce blood flow, and decrease inflammation, providing relief for painful joints. Option A is incorrect because heat treatments can actually help relax muscles and reduce spasms, so they can be used even when muscle spasms are present. Option B is incorrect because cold applications should not be left on for more than 15 minutes at a time, as prolonged exposure to cold can cause tissue damage. Option C is incorrect because heat should not be used during an acute flare of RA as it can potentially exacerbate inflammation and pain. Educationally, it is essential for patients with RA to understand the proper use of heat and cold therapy to manage their symptoms effectively. Teaching patients the correct techniques and durations for these therapies can help them alleviate pain and inflammation associated with their condition. It is important for nurses to provide accurate and clear instructions to patients to ensure they can independently manage their symptoms at home.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In dermatomyositis, a systemic autoimmune disease affecting the skin and muscles, the correct outcome during the acute phase is for the patient not to experience aspiration (Option B). This is because dermatomyositis can involve weakness of the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to a risk of aspiration pneumonia. Option A, relating improvement in pain, is not the most appropriate outcome for dermatomyositis as pain management is important but not the primary concern during the acute phase. Option C, performing active range of motion four times daily, may exacerbate muscle weakness and should be carefully monitored based on individual patient needs. Option D, maintaining absolute rest of affected joints, is not ideal as it can lead to joint stiffness and contractures. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX to understand the specific manifestations and management of dermatomyositis, including the appropriate outcomes to prioritize during the acute phase to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery. Nurses must be able to prioritize care based on the patient's condition and the pathophysiology of the disease to provide effective and safe care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.