A patient was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care of this patient?

Protection of the eye on paralyzed side

Provision of a fan to cool the face

Medication for pain relief

Precautions against aspiration

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Protection of the eye on paralyzed side. Bell's palsy causes unilateral facial paralysis due to inflammation of cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), affecting eyelid closure. Clients are at risk for corneal drying and injury due to incomplete blinking and lagophthalmos (inability to close the eye completely). Nursing interventions include applying artificial tears, taping the eyelid shut at night, and using an eye patch or protective glasses to prevent corneal abrasions and ulcers.
B. Provision of a fan to cool the face. Clients with Bell's palsy often experience facial nerve sensitivity. Exposure to cold air or wind can trigger pain and muscle spasms, making a fan inappropriate. Instead, keeping the face warm and avoiding drafts can help reduce discomfort.
C. Medication for pain relief. Pain is not a primary symptom of Bell's palsy, though some clients may experience mild facial discomfort or headaches. While analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs) may be used for mild pain, the main focus of treatment is corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and protect facial nerve function.
D. Precautions against aspiration. Bell’s palsy does not affect swallowing function because it involves cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), not cranial nerves IX and X (which control swallowing). Clients may have drooling due to facial muscle weakness, but aspiration precautions are not typically necessary unless another neurological issue is present.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A: "Sumatriptan." Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist (triptan) used for the acute treatment of migraines. It acts by stimulating serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_1D subtypes. This action causes vasoconstriction of dilated intracranial blood vessels and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, effectively reducing headache pain and associated symptoms such as nausea and photophobia. Sumatriptan can be administered via oral, subcutaneous, or nasal spray routes and is generally well-tolerated, with a rapid onset of action.
B: "Atorvastatin." Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering agent belonging to the statin class, primarily used to decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. It functions by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. Atorvastatin does not have a role in migraine treatment and is not indicated for this purpose.
C: "Metformin." Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Metformin is not indicated for migraine treatment and has no known effect on migraine pathophysiology.
D: "Lisinopril." Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used primarily for the management of hypertension and heart failure. It works by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, resulting in vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. While lisinopril may have some preventative effects for migraines in certain patients, it is not used for acute migraine treatment.

A. Stress B. Smoking C. Depression D. Poor posture

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Stress. Stress is a common trigger for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches. Tension headaches are often caused by muscle tension and stress, while stress-related physiological changes, such as vasodilation and increased sympathetic activity, can contribute to cluster headaches.
B. Smoking. Smoking is a known trigger for cluster headaches but is not commonly associated with tension-type headaches. Nicotine can cause vasoconstriction, leading to rebound vasodilation that contributes to cluster headache episodes. However, it is not a significant factor in tension-type headaches, which are more related to muscle tension and stress.
C. Depression. Depression is more strongly linked to chronic tension-type headaches, but it is not a major trigger for cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are primarily associated with trigeminal autonomic dysfunction rather than mood disorders.
D. Poor posture. Poor posture is a contributing factor for tension-type headaches due to muscle strain in the neck and shoulders, but it is not a common trigger for cluster headaches, which are linked to hypothalamic activation and vascular changes.

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A patient was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care of this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following is a commonly used medication for the acute treatment of migraines?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has headaches. In determining a diagnosis, which of the following precipitating factors is common in both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After determining that the patient has a tension-type headache, which patient statement supports the nurse's finding?

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A patient was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care of this patient?

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