Which client may be experiencing the effects of neuropathic pain?

• A. A client who reports burning, tingling sensations and shooting pain following nerve injury
• B. A client who describes dull, aching pain in muscles after physical exertion
• C. A client who experiences sharp pain localized to a recent surgical incision
• D. A client who complains of intermittent joint pain associated with swelling

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain arises from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system and is often described with sensations such as burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
2. Step 2: Review the descriptions of each client's pain symptoms and identify which ones align with neuropathic pain characteristics. Look for terms like burning, tingling, or shooting pain, which are typical of nerve-related pain.
3. Step 3: Compare the other types of pain described: dull, aching muscle pain is usually nociceptive pain related to tissue damage; sharp pain at a surgical site is typically acute nociceptive pain; intermittent joint pain with swelling suggests inflammatory pain.
4. Step 4: Recognize that neuropathic pain is distinct because it follows nerve injury and involves abnormal sensations rather than just pain from tissue damage or inflammation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the client reporting burning, tingling sensations and shooting pain following nerve injury is the one experiencing neuropathic pain.