Pain, mild to severe, felt in the area where an extremity has been amputated, is called?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Phantom limb pain is the specific term for pain perceived in a body part that has been amputated.
This sensation occurs because the brain and nervous system retain a memory of the limb and continue to process signals from the nerve endings at the amputation site.
The pain is a real sensory experience, not imaginary, and can range from mild to severe.
It is distinct from other types of pain like radiating or referred pain, which have different mechanisms and patterns of presentation.

Option A: Radiating pain follows a specific nerve path from the source of injury. The question describes pain in a missing limb, not pain traveling along an existing nerve.
Option B: Referred pain is felt in a location distant from the actual site of tissue damage, due to shared neural pathways. Phantom pain is localized to the area of the missing limb itself.
Option C: Arthralgia specifically means joint pain. The question describes pain in an amputated extremity, which is not limited to a joint.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Pain as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must recognize that phantom limb pain is a real and distressing experience for the patient. It requires thorough assessment and validation of the patient's feelings.
Interventions include both pharmacological (e.g., gabapentin, amitriptyline) and non-pharmacological strategies (e.g., mirror therapy, TENS, massage, and desensitization of the stump).
Patient education is critical. The nurse should explain what phantom limb pain is, reassure the patient that it is common, and discuss the various treatment options available to manage it.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the core concept. The stem describes 'pain...felt in the area where an extremity has been amputated.' This points directly to a specific post-amputation phenomenon.
Define the key term in your mind: Pain in a missing body part.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A, Radiating pain, travels along a nerve. This is incorrect.
Option B, Referred pain, is felt away from the source. This is incorrect.
Option C, Arthralgia, is joint pain. This is incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qo_ghw1WvYfqEON4YiGuIP

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 229-231

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 2 p. 53-55

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.