A nurse is caring for a client who has headaches. In determining a diagnosis, which of the following precipitating factors is common in both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches?
Depression
Smoking
Poor posture
Stress
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Depression is incorrect. While depression can contribute to headaches in some individuals, it is more commonly associated with migraine headaches rather than tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. People with depression may experience changes in neurotransmitter levels and alterations in pain perception, which can exacerbate migraines. However, tension-type headaches and cluster headaches are generally less strongly associated with depression as a precipitating factor compared to migraines.
Choice B Reason:
Smoking is incorrect. Smoking can be a trigger for headaches in some individuals, particularly migraines, due to the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine and other compounds in tobacco smoke. However, smoking is not universally recognized as a common precipitating factor for tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. While individuals with cluster headaches may have higher rates of smoking compared to the general population, it is not a factor commonly shared with tension-type headaches.
Choice C Reason:
Poor posture is incorrect. Poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and cervical spine strain, which may trigger tension-type headaches. However, poor posture is not typically considered a precipitating factor specific to cluster headaches. While tension-type headaches may be exacerbated by poor posture, cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral pain typically centered around the eye or temple, with associated autonomic symptoms such as tearing, nasal congestion, or ptosis.
Choice D Reason:
Stress is correct. Stress is a well-established precipitating factor for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches. Stress can lead to muscle tension and contraction, which are common triggers for tension-type headaches. Additionally, stress can also contribute to the onset or worsening of cluster headaches, although the exact mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. Therefore, stress is a common precipitating factor for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flail chest is incorrect. Flail chest is a condition characterized by multiple rib fractures, causing instability in the chest wall. While it can lead to respiratory distress, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Instead, it impairs the mechanics of breathing by compromising chest wall integrity.
Choice B Reason:
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the alveolar walls are destroyed, leading to a loss of surface area for gas exchange. This results in areas of the lungs that are well-perfused but poorly ventilated, causing a V/Q mismatch. The damage to alveoli leads to impaired ventilation, while blood flow may still be adequate, leading to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Choice C Reason:
CHF primarily affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. However, it typically causes diffusion defects rather than a direct ventilation-perfusion mismatch. V/Q mismatch may occur secondary to pulmonary edema, but it’s not the primary mechanism of respiratory failure in CHF.
Choice D Reason:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is incorrect. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While respiratory muscle weakness can occur in GBS, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. GBS primarily affects nerve function rather than lung function.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Are you having any feelings of depression?". This statement is appropriate. Migraines can significantly impact mood, and depression is a common comorbidity in individuals with chronic migraines. Inquiring about feelings of depression allows the nurse to assess the client's mental health status and provide appropriate support or referrals if needed.
Choice B Reason:
"Are you experiencing any sensitivity to light?": This statement is inappropriate. This question addresses a physical symptom commonly associated with migraines rather than psychosocial impact.
Choice C Reason:
"Are you feeling any increase in your sexual drive?"Migraines are more likely to decrease sexual drive due to pain and fatigue. This question is not typically relevant to the psychosocial impact of migraines.
Choice D Reason:
"Are you experiencing any episodes of 'panic-type' feelings?" This statement is appropriate. Migraines can sometimes trigger anxiety or panic attacks in affected individuals. Inquiring about panic-type feelings allows the nurse to assess the client's emotional response to migraines and provide interventions or referrals for anxiety management if necessary.
Choice E Reason:
"Are you experiencing more fatigue as compared to before you had migraines?": This statement is appropriate. Fatigue is a common symptom associated with migraines, both during and after an attack. Assessing the client's level of fatigue helps the nurse understand the impact of migraines on the client's energy levels and overall functioning.
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