A nurse is caring for a patient with a recent history of migraines.
What aspect of this patient’s current status may contraindicate the safe use of triptans?

The patient has angina

The patient has a history of asthma

The patient is 75 years old

The patient’s migraines are associated with psychosocial stress

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Assessing lung sounds is an important part of monitoring a patient’s respiratory status, but it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Choice B rationale

While explaining the progression of the syndrome is important for patient education, it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing.

Choice C rationale

Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect the muscles used for breathing, resulting in a weakened or paralyzed diaphragm, which can lead to an ineffective breathing pattern. Therefore, if a patient states that it is getting harder to take a deep breath, the nurse should call the physician and prepare for possible intubation.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the client to cough may not be the most appropriate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.

A. “I can take analgesics every four hours for pain.”. B. “I will chew on the affected side to prevent swallowing issues.”. C. “I can still brush my teeth with no issues.”. D. “I will apply this protective eye shield before going to bed.”. .

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Analgesics can be used to manage pain associated with Bell’s palsy. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further education.
Choice B rationale

This is the correct answer. Chewing on the affected side can actually exacerbate swallowing issues. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further education.
Choice C rationale
Brushing teeth should not be affected by Bell’s palsy. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further education.
Choice D rationale
Applying a protective eye shield before going to bed is a recommended practice for patients with Bell’s palsy. This helps to protect the eye from injury and keep it moist, as Bell’s palsy can cause difficulty in blinking or closing the eye.

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A nurse is caring for a patient with a recent history of migraines. What aspect of this patient’s current status may contraindicate the safe use of triptans?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In the context of outpatient care for a client diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which of the following statements, if made by the client, would indicate the need for further education?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a patient with a recent history of migraines.
What aspect of this patient’s current status may contraindicate the safe use of triptans?