A nurse in an outpatient clinic is caring for a client.
Select the 6 statements the nurse should include when reinforcing teaching to the client about the newly prescribed medication
"Do not take more than 200 milligrams of this medication within 24 hours.”
"You can take a second dose of this medication at least 2 hours after the initial dose if the headache persists.”
"You should discontinue this medication if pregnancy is planned or suspected.”
"You might experience a rash on your skin while taking this medication."
"You might experience a feeling of pressure in your chest after taking this medication."
"This medication can cause you to feel tired."
"This medication should start to alleviate the headache within 1 hour."
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E,F,G
A. "Do not take more than 200 milligrams of this medication within 24 hours." This statement is correct for oral sumatriptan, which has a maximum recommended dose of 200 mg per 24 hours. Clients can take one 50 mg or 100 mg dose initially, and if the headache persists, a second dose can be taken after at least 2 hours, provided the total daily dose does not exceed 200 mg.
B. "You can take a second dose of this medication at least 2 hours after the initial dose if the headache persists." A second dose of sumatriptan can be taken at least 2 hours after the first dose if the headache has not fully resolved. However, if the headache persists after the maximum daily dose (200 mg), the client should not take additional doses and should seek medical evaluation.
C. "You should discontinue this medication if pregnancy is planned or suspected." Sumatriptan is classified as Pregnancy Category C, meaning its effects on fetal development are not well studied. Clients who are pregnant or planning to conceive should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication.
D. "You might experience a rash on your skin while taking this medication." Skin rash is not a common side effect of sumatriptan. If a rash develops, it could indicate an allergic reaction, which should be reported to a provider. However, routine monitoring for rashes is not necessary when taking sumatriptan.
E. "You might experience a feeling of pressure in your chest after taking this medication." Chest tightness or pressure is a known side effect of sumatriptan due to its vasoconstrictive effects. This sensation is usually temporary and not dangerous, but if it becomes severe or persistent, the client should seek medical attention to rule out cardiovascular complications.
F. "This medication can cause you to feel tired." Fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness are common side effects of sumatriptan. Clients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
G. "This medication should start to alleviate the headache within 1 hour." Sumatriptan typically begins to relieve migraine symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes when taken orally. If the headache does not improve after 2 hours, a second dose may be taken, but the total daily dose should not exceed 200 mg.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Jaundice. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a sign of liver dysfunction and may indicate hepatotoxicity rather than an allergic reaction. Some medications can cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), but jaundice is not a typical symptom of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
B. Urticaria. Urticaria (hives) is a classic allergic reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. It occurs due to the release of histamine in response to an allergen, which increases capillary permeability and leads to swelling and itching. Urticaria may be accompanied by angioedema, respiratory distress, or anaphylaxis, requiring immediate intervention if severe.
C. Bradycardia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical manifestation of an allergic reaction. While anaphylaxis can cause hypotension and tachycardia due to systemic vasodilation, bradycardia is more commonly associated with beta-blockers, heart block, or vagal stimulation rather than an allergic response.
D. Hypertension. Allergic reactions, especially severe ones like anaphylaxis, typically cause vasodilation and hypotension, not hypertension. While stress or anxiety related to an allergic episode may lead to a temporary rise in blood pressure, persistent hypertension is not a direct sign of an allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Tingling sensation. A mild tingling or paresthesia is a common side effect of sumatriptan due to its vasoconstrictive action. While it should be monitored, it is not typically harmful and does not require immediate medical intervention.
B. Hypertension. Sumatriptan works by constricting blood vessels to relieve migraine symptoms, but it can also cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Severe hypertension can lead to complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. This is the priority finding that requires immediate reporting to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events.
C. Dizziness. Dizziness can occur due to sumatriptan’s vasoconstrictive properties or from the migraine itself. While it can be uncomfortable, it is not an immediate threat to the client’s safety unless it is severe or associated with other neurological symptoms.
D. Flushing. Facial flushing is a known side effect of sumatriptan and is generally harmless. It occurs due to transient vasodilation in the skin and does not indicate a serious adverse reaction. Monitoring is appropriate, but it does not require urgent intervention.
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