title: Content analyses of a priori qualitative phantom limb pain descriptions and emerging categories in mid-southerners with limb loss.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purposes of this descriptive study were (a) to identify the relative frequencies of a priori categories of phantom limb pain (PLP) quality descriptors reported by Mid-Southerners with limb loss, (b) to analyze their descriptions for emerging categories of PLP, and (c) to identify the relative frequencies of the emerging categories.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional descriptive verbal survey assessed PLP descriptors. A content analyses determined relative frequencies of a priori PLP descriptors as well as emerging categories that were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common a priori PLP quality descriptors reported by 52 amputees with PLP were intermittent, tingling/needles/numb, sharp, cramping, burning, and stabbing. The most common emerging categories reported were pain compared to illness/injury, electrical cyclical, and manipulated/positional.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The detailed descriptions of PLP provide insight into the vivid experiences of PLP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rehabilitation nurses can use this information with PLP assessment, patient teaching, and counseling.
authors.affiliation: Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: Cecile B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D013714:Tennessee
keywords: Phantom limb pain; amputee; pain quality description