A nurse is caring for a patient who experiences severe cluster headaches.
At what point in the course of a new headache should the patient be instructed to take medications?
Twenty to thirty minutes after the onset of symptoms.
As soon as the patient senses the onset of the symptoms.
As soon as the patient’s pain becomes unbearable.
When the patient senses their symptoms are peaking.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B rationale
Patients who experience severe cluster headaches should be instructed to take medications as soon as they sense the onset of symptoms. Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, debilitating pain that reaches peak intensity within a short period of time, often within 15 minutes. Therefore, early intervention is crucial to manage the pain effectively.
Choice A rationale
Waiting twenty to thirty minutes after the onset of symptoms to take medications may not be effective for cluster headaches. The pain of a cluster headache often reaches peak intensity within 15 minutes, so delaying medication could result in unnecessary suffering.
Choice C rationale
Waiting until the patient’s pain becomes unbearable is not recommended for managing cluster headaches. The goal of treatment is to prevent or reduce pain, not to wait until it becomes unbearable.
Choice D rationale
Taking medications when the patient senses their symptoms are peaking is not the most effective strategy for managing cluster headaches. Given the rapid onset and severe pain associated with cluster headaches, medications should be taken as soon as the patient senses the onset of symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Triptans, a class of medications commonly used to treat migraines, can cause vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels. This can be problematic for patients with angina, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart. Vasoconstriction could potentially exacerbate this condition, leading to an increased risk of a heart attack. Therefore, the use of triptans may be contraindicated in patients with angina.
Choice B rationale
While asthma is a serious condition that requires careful management, it is not typically considered a contraindication for the use of triptans. Triptans work primarily on the blood vessels in the brain and do not typically interact with the bronchial tubes affected by asthma.
Choice C rationale
Age alone is not typically a contraindication for the use of triptans. However, older adults may have a higher risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, which could make the use of triptans more risky. It’s important for healthcare providers to consider the overall health status of the patient, not just their age, when deciding whether to prescribe triptans.
Choice D rationale
While stress can certainly exacerbate migraines, it is not typically a contraindication for the use of triptans. Triptans are designed to relieve the pain and other symptoms of migraines, regardless of their cause. If a patient’s migraines are triggered by stress, it may be beneficial to explore stress management techniques in addition to medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Instructing the client on daily muscle stretching can help alleviate and relax muscle spasms, which is beneficial for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Choice B rationale
Ordering a low-residual diet is not typically a part of the care plan for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to void every hour may not be necessary for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, unless there are specific urinary symptoms present.
Choice D rationale
Providing total assistance with all activities of daily living may not be necessary for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, as the level of assistance required can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease.
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