Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which of the following techniques would BEST assist a patient with a recent amputation in dealing with phantom sensations and preparing for prosthesis use?

1. Use of medication to dull sensations

2. Gently stimulating the stump

3. Focusing on avoiding the stump

4. Regular physical therapy sessions

The correct answer is: Gently stimulating the stump

Gently stimulating the stump is an effective technique for assisting patients with recent amputations in dealing with phantom sensations and preparing for prosthesis use. This method can help the patient develop a connection with their residual limb and promote a sense of ownership over it. By providing tactile input, patients may be able to lessen the intensity of phantom sensations that can be disorienting or distressing. This practice encourages the brain's neuroplasticity, allowing it to adapt to the changes following an amputation. Soft tissue manipulation can also stimulate sensory nerves and potentially help ameliorate discomfort associated with phantom limb sensations. In contrast, while medications might offer some relief, they do not address the underlying phenomenon of phantom sensations and may come with undesirable side effects. Avoiding the stump is counterproductive, as it may reinforce negative feelings and reduce the patient's willingness to engage with their prosthetic limb. Regular physical therapy sessions can be beneficial in a broader rehabilitation context, but they specifically do not focus on the immediate management of phantom sensations as directly as gentle stump stimulation.