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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice B rationale
If a patient states that he cannot see the top of the Snellen chart, the nurse should determine whether the patient can count fingers. If the patient is unable to read the top line of the Snellen

chart at 6 meters, the nurse can reduce the distance to 3 meters from the Snellen chart. If the patient still cannot read the chart, the nurse can then determine whether the patient can count fingers.
Choice A rationale
While documenting findings is an important part of the nursing process, it would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a tumbling E chart to assess visual acuity could be considered if the patient is unable to read letters or numbers, but it would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.
Choice D rationale
Completing an internal eye exam would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.

A. Support the right arm with a sling or pillow to prevent shoulder dislocation. B. Anticipate the client will exhibit some degree of expressive or receptive aphasia. C. Place the wheelchair on the client’s left side when transferring him into a wheelchair. D. Provide close supervision because of the client’s impulsiveness and poor judgment.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Supporting the right arm with a sling or pillow can help prevent shoulder dislocation, but it may not directly ensure the safety of a patient who has experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain.
Choice B rationale
While it is true that a patient who has experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain may exhibit some degree of expressive or receptive aphasia, anticipating this does not directly ensure the patient’s safety.
Choice C rationale

Placing the wheelchair on the client’s left side when transferring him into a wheelchair is a good practice, but it may not directly ensure the safety of a patient who has experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain.
Choice D rationale
Patients who have experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain often exhibit impulsiveness and poor judgment. Therefore, providing close supervision can help ensure the patient’s safety.

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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

The nurse is assessing a patient’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The patient states he cannot see the top of the chart. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain. What should the nurse do to ensure the safety of the patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is conducting an assessment on a patient suspected of having a stroke. Which assessment finding is most indicative of a stroke?

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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?