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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Giving the patient extra time to perform activities is an appropriate action by the nurse. Bradykinesia is a symptom of Parkinson's disease that causes slow and reduced movement, making it difficult for the patient to initiate and complete tasks. The nurse should respect the patient's autonomy and dignity, and allow them to do as much as they can by themselves, without rushing or interfering.
Choice B reason: Teaching the client to walk more quickly when ambulating is not an appropriate action by the nurse. Bradykinesia can affect the patient's gait and balance, making them prone to falls and injuries. The nurse should not encourage the patient to walk faster than their ability, but rather provide them with assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, and ensure a safe environment.
Choice C reason: Placing the client on a low-protein, low-calorie diet is not an appropriate action by the nurse. Bradykinesia does not require any specific dietary modifications, unless the patient has other comorbidities, such as diabetes or hypertension. The nurse should ensure that the patient has adequate nutrition and hydration, and avoid foods that may interfere with their medication absorption, such as high-fiber or high-fat foods.
Choice D reason: Completing passive range-of-motion exercises daily is not an appropriate action by the nurse. Bradykinesia can cause muscle stiffness and rigidity, which can limit the patient's range of motion and flexibility. The nurse should encourage the patient to do active range-of-motion exercises, which involve moving their own joints to their full extent, rather than passive ones, which involve someone else moving their joints for them. Active exercises can help maintain muscle strength and joint mobility and prevent contractures and deformities.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.
Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.
Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.
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