- Chronic Pain related to Impaired sensation and Nerve injury as evidenced by report of pain intensity and characteristics and Facial grimacing
- Disturbed Sensory Perception (Touch) related to Impaired sensation and altered circulation as evidenced by Tingling sensation and Numbness
- Impaired Physical Mobility related to decreased muscle strength and peripheral nerve damage as evidenced by Uncoordinated movements and Loss of sensations
| Assessment | Nursing Diagnosis | Planning/Outcomes | Intervention | Evaluation |
| Subjective data: Self-report of pain intensity and characteristics Objective data: -Guarding behaviours -Facial grimacing -Restlessness -Physical trauma -Nerve injury | Chronic Pain related to Impaired sensation and Nerve injury as evidenced by report of pain intensity and characteristics and Facial grimacing | Based on a standardized scale, the patient will report no pain or decreased pain intensity. Patient will appear relaxed and able to sleep and rest appropriately. Patient will demonstrate strategies to manage pain. | 1. Instruct on topical medications. Capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches can be purchased over the counter to relieve pain without systemic side effects. 2. Administer medications. NSAIDs, opioids, anti-seizure medications, and tricyclic antidepressants all play a role in relieving neuropathic pain. 3. Instruct on a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. A TENS unit can be applied to the site of pain where an electrical current stimulates the nerves to reduce pain and muscle spasms. 4. Prepare for surgery. Pressure from tumors, pinched nerves, or injuries can be relieved by alleviating the pressure on the nerves through surgical intervention. | Based on a standardized scale, the patient reported no pain or decreased pain intensity. Patient appeared relaxed and able to sleep and rest appropriately. Patient demonstrated strategies to manage pain. |
Subjective data: Expression of feeling numbness Objective data: -Hyperesthesia -Tingling sensation -Numbness -Muscle weakness -Twitching | Disturbed Sensory Perception (Touch) related to Impaired sensation and altered circulation as evidenced by Tingling sensation and Numbness | Patient will recognize and compensate for alterations in peripheral sensation. Patient will remain free from injury. | 1. Collaborate with an occupational or physical therapist. Therapists provide individualized exercise and rehabilitation for patients experiencing disability or mobility problems caused by peripheral neuropathy. 2. Educate the patient and family on safety precautions to prevent injury. The loss of protective sensation causes patients to be at higher risk of injury. Family members can keep patients safe by checking the water temperature before bathing and food or cooking temperature to prevent burns. 3. Instruct the patient about proper foot care. Due to poor circulation to the feet, patients are at risk for injuries and impaired healing. Instruct patients to inspect their feet daily, wear proper footwear, and see a podiatrist for foot care. 4. Encourage assistive devices. Correctly using wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and braces can prevent injuries. | Patient recognized and compensated for alterations in peripheral sensation. Patient remained free from injury. |
| Subjective data: Expression of pain and discomfort with movement Refusal to move Objective data: -Limited range of motion -Uncoordinated movements -Poor balance -Inability to turn in bed, transfer, or ambulate -Postural instability -Gait disturbances -Reliance on assistive devices | Impaired Physical Mobility related to decreased muscle strength and peripheral nerve damage as evidenced by Uncoordinated movements and Loss of sensations | Patient will be able to increase the number of steps ambulated each week. Patient will verbalize decreased pain with movement. Patient will demonstrate the use of assistive devices to increase mobility. | 1. Administer pain medications as indicated. Burning, sharp, or tingling pain typically characterizes neuropathy. Medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or amitriptyline should be administered before performing activities or exercises to improve comfort and promote active participation of the patient. 2. Educate the patient on the proper use of assistive devices. Proper use of walking aids and assistive devices can help patients with peripheral neuropathy move and ambulate efficiently. 3. Ensure proper footwear. If peripheral neuropathy affects the patient’s feet, encourage them to get fitted for proper footwear or shoe inserts to minimize discomfort and ensure their safety when ambulating. 4. Assist with stretching and strengthening. Exercise for peripheral neuropathy should include aerobic exercises such as walking, balance training, and calf and hamstring stretches to improve physical mobility. | Patient increased the number of steps ambulated each week. Patient verbalized decreased pain with movement. Patient demonstrated the use of assistive devices to increase mobility. |