A client diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia is experiencing intermittent, sudden, severe pain on the left side of the face. The nurse identifies which classification of medications is most effective in treating this pain.
Analgesics
Antihistamines
Antibiotics
Anticonvulsants
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Analgesics are medications that relieve pain by blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation. They include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and acetaminophen. However, analgesics are not very effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia, as they do not address the underlying cause of the pain, which is the compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
Choice B reason: Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions such as itching, sneezing, and swelling. They include diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine. Antihistamines are not effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia, as they do not affect the trigeminal nerve or its function.
Choice C reason: Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections. They include penicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin. Antibiotics are not effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia, as they do not target the trigeminal nerve or its pathology.
Choice D reason: Anticonvulsants are medications that prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of seizures by stabilizing the electrical activity of the brain. They include carbamazepine, gabapentin, and phenytoin. Anticonvulsants are the most effective medications in treating trigeminal neuralgia, as they reduce the abnormal firing of the trigeminal nerve that causes the pain. Anticonvulsants are considered the first-line therapy for trigeminal neuralgia and can provide significant relief for most clients.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I may experience urinary incontinence." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects an understanding of one of the possible symptoms of MS. Urinary incontinence is caused by nerve damage that affects bladder control.
Choice B reason: "I should not exercise because this may trigger an exacerbation." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching. It is an incorrect statement that reflects a misconception about exercise and MS. Exercise does not cause or worsen MS relapses but rather has many benefits for people with MS, such as improving muscle strength, balance, mobility, mood, and quality of life.
Choice C reason: "I should alternate the eye patch every other day to help with the double vision." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching. It is an incorrect statement that reflects a misunderstanding of how to manage double vision, which is another possible symptom of MS. Alternating the eye patch every other day does not help with double vision, but rather may cause eye fatigue or confusion. The correct way to use an eye patch is to wear it on one eye only when needed, such as when reading or driving.
Choice D reason: "I may experience visual disturbances." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects an awareness of another possible symptom of MS. Visual disturbances may include blurred vision, loss of color vision, pain in one eye, or partial or complete blindness.
Choice E reason: "I need to check the water temperature before I take a bath." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects a precaution that people with MS should take. Checking the water temperature before taking a bath can prevent burns or scalds, as some people with MS may have reduced sensation or numbness in their skin.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring vital signs and neurological status frequently is a priority intervention for a client who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, as it helps to detect any changes in the client's condition and guide appropriate treatment. Hemorrhagic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding into the brain tissue. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, and brain damage. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, level of consciousness, pupil reaction, motor function, and sensory function frequently and report any abnormalities to the health care provider.
Choice B reason: Maintaining strict bed rest to minimize cerebral blood flow is not a priority intervention for a client who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, as it may not prevent further bleeding or improve the client's outcome. In fact, strict bed rest may increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy. The nurse should follow the health care provider's orders regarding the client's activity level and position. The nurse should also provide adequate hydration, nutrition, skin care, and comfort measures to the client.
Choice C reason: Administering anticoagulant medications as prescribed is not a priority intervention for a client who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, as it may worsen the bleeding and increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Anticoagulant medications are used to prevent or treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, anticoagulant medications are contraindicated in hemorrhagic stroke, as they interfere with the blood's ability to clot and stop the bleeding. The nurse should avoid giving any medications that may affect coagulation or platelet function to the client unless ordered by the health care provider.
Choice D reason: Assisting the client with active range of motion exercises is not a priority intervention for a client who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, as it may not improve the client's neurological function or prevent complications. Active range of motion exercises are performed by the client with or without assistance from the nurse to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. However, these exercises are not indicated in the acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke, as they may increase intracranial pressure or cause pain or discomfort to the client. The nurse should consult with the physical therapist before initiating any exercise program for the client.

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