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 D
Explanation
Choice A: Administer corticosteroids. This is incorrect because corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but they do not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.
Choice B: Turn and reposition every 2 hours. This is incorrect because turning and repositioning are important to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation, but they are not sufficient to maintain muscle strength and endurance. The client also needs active or passive exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.
Choice C: Administer interferon. This is incorrect because interferon is a type of immunomodulator that can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in multiple sclerosis, but it does not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.
Choice D: Encourage range-of-motion exercises. This is correct because range-of-motion exercises can help increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance in clients with multiple sclerosis. Range-of-motion exercises can be performed actively by the client or passively by the nurse or a caregiver. They should be done at least twice a day to prevent complications such as contractures, spasticity, and pain.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Epidemiology interprets legislation in the community is not a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology is not directly involved in interpreting legislation, but rather in providing evidence and recommendations that can inform policy-making and law-making.
Choice B reason: Epidemiology relates to the health status of a population is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology is the study of how diseases and other health-related factors are distributed and determined in populations. It helps the community health nurse to identify and monitor health problems, trends, and disparities in different groups and areas.
Choice C reason: Epidemiology analyzes and examines the root causes of health outcomes is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology uses various methods and tools to investigate and explain the causes and consequences of diseases and other health-related events. It helps the community health nurse to understand and address the complex and multifactorial factors that influence health, such as biological, environmental, social, behavioral, and economic factors.
Choice D reason: Epidemiology evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology applies scientific principles and rigorous designs to assess and compare the outcomes and impacts of different interventions and programs on health. It helps the community health nurse to plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices and policies that can improve health and quality of life.
Choice E reason: Epidemiology defines the burden of disease and determinants of health is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology measures and compares the frequency, severity, and impact of diseases and other health-related conditions on populations. It helps the community health nurse to prioritize and allocate resources, as well as to advocate for health equity and social justice.
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