After administering carbamazepine to a client with trigeminal neuralgia, which finding indicates to the practical nurse (PN) that the medication has produced the desired outcome?
Able to ambulate without assistance.
Distal pulses intact with strong volume.
No seizure activity observed.
Client denies pain.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Being able to ambulate without assistance is generally an indicator of improved mobility or reduced motor impairment. However, it does not directly reflect the effectiveness of carbamazepine in treating trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve in the face, causing severe facial pain. The goal of carbamazepine in this context is to reduce or eliminate this pain, so ambulation is not a relevant measure of the medication's effectiveness in this case.
Choice B reason: Distal pulses that are intact with strong volume are important indicators of good peripheral circulation. While this is a positive clinical finding, it does not relate to the primary purpose of carbamazepine administration in a client with trigeminal neuralgia. The primary goal is to alleviate the facial pain associated with the condition, so assessing peripheral pulses does not indicate the desired outcome of the medication.
Choice C reason: No seizure activity observed is an important outcome in clients taking carbamazepine for seizure disorders. However, in the context of trigeminal neuralgia, carbamazepine is used primarily for its pain-relieving properties. The absence of seizure activity is not the main indicator of the medication's effectiveness for this specific condition. Therefore, while seizure control is relevant for other uses of carbamazepine, it is not the primary measure of success for treating trigeminal neuralgia.
Choice D reason: Client denies pain is the most relevant and desired outcome when administering carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia. This medication is effective in reducing or eliminating the severe facial pain associated with the condition. By denying pain, the client indicates that the medication is effectively managing the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, which is the primary therapeutic goal in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can significantly affect the client's quality of life. Managing nausea is important for ensuring the client can maintain adequate nutrition and hydration. However, it is not the most critical problem when planning care for a client with leukemia, as it does not pose an immediate threat to life compared to the risk of infection.
Choice B reason: Fatigue is another common issue experienced by clients undergoing chemotherapy. It can result from the treatment itself, the underlying disease, or anemia. While addressing fatigue is essential for improving the client's daily functioning and well-being, it is not the most urgent concern in this scenario. The client's significantly low WBC count poses a more immediate risk to their health.
Choice C reason: Infection is the most significant problem to consider when planning care for this client. The client's WBC count of 2,500/mm³ (2.5 x 10⁹/L) is well below the normal range, indicating leukopenia, which increases their susceptibility to infections. Clients with leukemia receiving chemotherapy are at a higher risk for infections due to both the disease and the treatment's impact on the immune system. Monitoring for signs of infection, implementing infection control measures, and providing prompt treatment if an infection is detected are critical to prevent severe complications.
Choice D reason: Bleeding is a potential concern for clients with leukemia, especially if platelet counts are low. However, in this case, the client's platelet count is within the normal range (250,000/mm³ or 250 x 10⁹/L). While it is important to monitor for bleeding, the immediate risk of infection due to the low WBC count is more pressing and requires prioritized attention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day is highly significant in planning the client's rehabilitation following a myocardial infarction. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and continuing to smoke can significantly hinder recovery and increase the risk of future cardiac events. Addressing this behavior is crucial for improving the client's long-term health outcomes. Smoking cessation should be a primary focus of the rehabilitation plan, and the client should be provided with resources and support to quit smoking, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or medications.
Choice B reason: Expressing a desire to change one's lifestyle is a positive and encouraging sign. It indicates the client's motivation to adopt healthier habits, which is essential for successful rehabilitation. However, while this is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing specific risk factors, such as smoking, that have a direct and significant impact on the client's recovery and future health. The desire to change is a valuable component of the rehabilitation process, but it should be coupled with targeted interventions to address critical behaviors like smoking.
Choice C reason: Drinking 1 to 2 glasses of red wine daily may have both positive and negative health implications. Moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to have some cardiovascular benefits, but it can also pose risks, especially if not monitored. While this information is relevant to the client's overall lifestyle, it is not as immediately critical as addressing smoking, which has a well-documented and direct impact on cardiovascular health. The client's alcohol consumption can be discussed as part of the broader lifestyle changes during rehabilitation.
Choice D reason: Walking four city blocks to work each day indicates a level of physical activity that is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Encouraging regular physical activity is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. However, compared to the impact of smoking, this information is less critical in the immediate planning of the client's rehabilitation. The focus should be on eliminating harmful behaviors like smoking, while also promoting continued and possibly increased physical activity as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
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