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 ["2"]
Explanation
Desired dose = 160 mg
The medication label for Bevyxxa (betrixaban) Capsules states: 80 mg per capsule.
- Determine the number of capsules needed:
Number of capsules = Desired dose / Dose per capsule
= 160 mg / 80 mg/capsule
= 2 capsules
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I'll dial 911 if I still have pain after taking 3 nitroglycerin tablets 5 minutes apart.": While this reflects part of the correct sequence, waiting until all 3 doses are taken before seeking emergency help may delay life-saving treatment. Emergency services should be contacted sooner if the first dose is ineffective.
B. "I'll dial 911 if I still have pain after taking 4 nitroglycerin tablets over a 20-minute period.": This exceeds the recommended maximum of three sublingual nitroglycerin tablets within 15 minutes. Taking more than advised can increase the risk of hypotension and other complications.
C. "I'll dial 911 if 1 nitroglycerin tablet does not relieve my pain, and then take up to 2 more tablets 5 minutes apart while waiting.": This is the correct protocol. If chest pain persists after the first dose, the patient should immediately call 911 and may continue with up to two additional doses, each 5 minutes apart, while waiting for emergency responders.
D. "I'll dial 911 when I have pain and then take the nitroglycerin tablets.": Calling 911 immediately without trying the medication first may lead to unnecessary emergency activation. The recommended approach is to take the first dose, then call if pain persists after 5 minutes.
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