Six weeks after an above-the-knee amputation (AKA), a patient returns to the outpatient office for a routine postoperative checkup. During the nurse's assessment, the patient reports symptoms of phantom pain. What should the nurse tell the patient to do to reduce the discomfort of the phantom pain?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: 1. Phantom pain is a common phenomenon post-amputation due to the brain still perceiving pain signals from the missing limb. 2. Opioid analgesics help manage phantom pain by blocking pain signals in the brain, providing relief. 3. Applying hot compresses (A) may not effectively address phantom pain, as it is neuropathic in nature. 4. Avoiding activity (B) does not address the underlying cause of phantom pain and may lead to physical deconditioning. 5. Elevating the level of the amputation site (D) does not directly target or alleviate phantom pain. Summary: Taking opioid analgesics as ordered (C) is the most appropriate intervention for managing phantom pain post-amputation, as it directly addresses the neuropathic nature of the pain and provides effective relief.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Topical steroids. Topical steroids are commonly prescribed for psoriasis to reduce inflammation and itching. They help to control the symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. Other choices are incorrect: B (Topical Benadryl) is an antihistamine and not typically used for psoriasis. C (Lidocaine patches) are used for pain relief, not for treating psoriasis. D (Systemic antibiotics) are not indicated for psoriasis unless there is a secondary bacterial infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use sterile technique for all dressing changes. Sterile technique reduces the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms into the burn wound, thus decreasing the likelihood of infection. By maintaining a sterile environment during dressing changes, the nurse can help protect the patient's vulnerable skin and promote healing. A: Following contact precautions is important for preventing the spread of infection, but it does not directly address the risk of infection in the burn wound. B: Implementing protective isolation is unnecessary in this case as the patient's low-grade fever does not indicate the need for isolation. D: Administering prophylactic antibiotics is not recommended in this scenario as it can contribute to antibiotic resistance and is not necessary unless there is a confirmed infection present.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sutures. Sutures are commonly used in secondary closure surgical wounds to approximate the skin edges and promote proper healing. They provide secure closure, reduce the risk of infection, and allow for precise alignment of the wound edges. A: Tape is not typically used for secondary closure of surgical wounds as it may not provide enough support and security for proper wound healing. B: Grafts are used for transplanting tissue and are not typically used for closing surgical wounds. C: Staples are commonly used for primary closure of wounds, but they may not be as suitable for secondary closure as they can cause more tissue trauma and may not provide as precise alignment as sutures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. If melanocytes are inactive, the skin cannot produce enough melanin to tan, resulting in burning instead. Choice A is incorrect because everyone has the gene for tanning. Choice C is incorrect because keratinocytes are not directly involved in the tanning process. Therefore, the only logical explanation for not tanning and only burning when exposed to the sun is due to inactive melanocytes.