A nurse is preparing to administer a triptan medication to a patient experiencing an acute migraine. Which of the following statements about triptan administration is correct?
Triptans should be administered only after other pain medications have been tried.
Triptans should be administered at the onset of aura symptoms.
Triptans are most effective when taken early in the migraine attack, at the onset of pain.
Triptans can be safely administered every hour until pain relief is achieved.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Triptans should be administered only after other pain medications have been tried: Triptans are first-line agents for moderate to severe migraines and do not require prior use of other analgesics. Delaying their use can reduce effectiveness and prolong the migraine episode.
B. Triptans should be administered at the onset of aura symptoms: Triptans are not recommended during the aura phase, especially for patients with migraines that involve motor or sensory auras, due to concerns about vasoconstrictive effects before pain begins. They are intended for use when headache pain starts.
C. Triptans are most effective when taken early in the migraine attack, at the onset of pain: Triptans work by stimulating serotonin receptors, causing cranial vasoconstriction and reducing neurogenic inflammation. They are most effective when taken as soon as the headache phase begins, not during aura or late in the attack.
D. Triptans can be safely administered every hour until pain relief is achieved: Triptans have strict dosing intervals due to their vasoconstrictive properties, and exceeding recommended doses can lead to cardiovascular complications. They should not be taken more frequently than prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will need to take this medication for several weeks before noticing its full effects.": Buspirone is an anxiolytic that works by modulating serotonin and dopamine receptors. Unlike benzodiazepines, it has a delayed onset of action, typically requiring 2–4 weeks of consistent use to achieve its full therapeutic benefit.
B. "If I don't feel better after one week, I will stop taking the medication.": Stopping Buspirone prematurely can prevent the medication from reaching its full effect. It requires patient adherence and time for therapeutic levels to build; discontinuation should only be under a provider’s guidance.
C. "I should feel less anxious within an hour of taking the first dose.": Buspirone does not provide immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. It is not effective for acute anxiety or panic attacks due to its slow onset and gradual buildup in the system.
D. "I can use this medication as needed when I feel a panic attack coming on.": Buspirone is not intended for PRN (as-needed) use. It must be taken on a scheduled basis to maintain steady blood levels and is not useful for rapid symptom relief in panic situations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Tablets: The drug label clearly states "Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) tablets," indicating that this formulation is in tablet form. It also mentions "30 Tablets" directly below the dosage strength, confirming the correct formulation.
B. Lozenge: Lozenges are designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for local effect and are not typically used for systemic antidepressants like sertraline. This formulation is not indicated on the label.
C. Elixir: An elixir is a liquid form of medication containing alcohol, and although sertraline can be made in liquid form, this label specifically refers to tablets, not a liquid preparation.
D. Capsules: Capsules contain medication enclosed in a gelatin shell, often used for extended-release purposes. The label does not mention capsules and explicitly says "tablets," making this option incorrect.
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