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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging coughing and deep breathing can increase intracranial pressure (ICP), which is the pressure inside the skull that can affect brain function. Coughing and deep breathing can increase blood flow and oxygen demand to the brain, which can worsen cerebral edema. The nurse should suction the patient as needed and maintain a patent airway.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the patient with knees and hips flexed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head. The nurse should position the patient with neck and body in alignment and avoid extreme flexion or extension of any joints.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because performing nursing interventions once an hour can disturb the patient's sleep and increase ICP by stimulating brain activity. The nurse should cluster nursing interventions and provide quiet and dark environment to promote rest and reduce stress.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees can decrease ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and pulse to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are b, d, and e.
Choice A: Slurred speech.
Slurred speech can be associated with increased ICP due to the pressure effects on the brain areas responsible for speech production. However, it is not typically considered a late sign of increased ICP. It may occur earlier in the progression as the brain's ability to coordinate muscle movements is affected.
Choice B: Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.
Bradycardia with a bounding pulse is a classic sign of Cushing's triad, which is a late and ominous sign of significantly increased ICP. It indicates that the body is attempting to increase arterial blood pressure to overcome the increased ICP and maintain cerebral perfusion. The normal range for adult heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.
Choice C: Confusion.
Confusion can be an early sign of increased ICP as it can indicate changes in cerebral function. However, it is not specifically a late sign of increased ICP. Early signs of increased ICP can include headache, nausea, and confusion, as the brain is initially responding to the pressure changes.
Choice D: Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.
Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure is another component of Cushing's triad. It reflects the body's compensatory mechanism to preserve cerebral blood flow in the face of rising ICP. An increasing pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is a late sign of increased ICP. Normal pulse pressure is typically 30-40 mm Hg.
Choice E: Nonreactive dilated pupils.
Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and indicate pressure on the cranial nerves that control pupil size and reaction to light. This is a grave sign and often indicates impending brain herniation.
Choice F: Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.
Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure is not typically associated with increased ICP. In fact, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure would be more indicative of increased ICP as part of Cushing's triad.
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