A client with a new diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is receiving education to prevent triggering an acute onset. Which of the following will the nurse include in teaching?
Massage the affected side multiple times a day.
Apply ice directly to the skin.
Provide pureed consistency foods.
Consider alternative therapies such as yoga, biofeedback, or meditation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Massaging the affected side multiple times a day can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe pain in one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which innervates the face. The pain can be triggered by touch, pressure, or movement of the face. The nurse should advise the client to avoid touching or stimulating the affected side.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Applying ice directly to
the skin can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by temperature changes or cold stimuli on the face. The nurse should advise the client to avoid exposure to cold air or wind and to protect their face with a scarf or mask.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Providing pureed consistency foods can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by chewing, swallowing, or talking. The nurse should advise the client to eat soft foods that do not require much chewing and to avoid hot or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth.
Choice D reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in teaching. Considering alternative therapies such as yoga, biofeedback or meditation can help prevent triggering an acute onset of trigeminal neural
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because preparing the client for an X-ray is not the first action that the nurse should take. An X-ray can help diagnose possible injuries or fractures, but it is not an urgent test. The nurse should first assess the client's level of consciousness and neurological status using a standardized tool such as the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because calculating a Glasgow Coma Score is the first action that the nurse should take. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on the eye-opening, verbal response, and motor responses. It can help determine the severity of brain injury and guide further interventions.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because dimming the lights and turning off the TV are not the first actions that the nurse should take. These are environmental modifications that can help reduce sensory stimulation and prevent agitation or seizures, but they are not as important as assessing the level of consciousness and neurological status.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because providing analgesics is not the first action that the nurse should take. Analgesics can help relieve pain and discomfort, but they can also alter the level of consciousness and mask neurological signs. The nurse should first assess the level of consciousness and neurological status, and then administer analgesics as prescribed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because a drop in heart rate from 74 to 68/min is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. A mild decrease in heart rate can be normal or due to other factors such as medication, sleep, or relaxation. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because a change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score from 14 to 10 is a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on eye-opening, verbal response, and motor responses. A score of 14 indicates mild impairment, while a score of 10 indicates moderate impairment. A decrease in score can indicate deterioration of neurological status and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the headache is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Headache is a common symptom of mild TBI and can be managed with analgesics, rest, and hydration. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs such as vomiting, confusion, or seizures.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because diplopia is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Diplopia means double vision and can be caused by damage to cranial nerves or eye muscles due to TBI. It can be treated with eye patches, glasses, or surgery. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is associated with other symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of vision, or eye pain.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today