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:
"When did you have your last physical?": This question is relevant to assess the client's overall health status and identify any potential comorbidities or health conditions that may be associated with Parkinson's disease. However, it is not as crucial as asking about family history, which directly addresses the client's potential genetic predisposition to Parkinson's disease.
Choice B Reason:
"Do you have any family members with Parkinson's disease?" Parkinson's disease can have both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. While the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood, having a family history of the condition is a significant risk factor. Individuals with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have Parkinson's disease have an increased risk of developing the condition themselves.
Choice C Reason:
"What kind of work do you do?": This question aims to gather information about the client's occupational history and potential exposure to environmental toxins or factors that may be associated with Parkinson's disease. Certain occupations or exposures to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or other toxins have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. While occupational history is important, it is not as directly relevant to assessing the client's risk factors as asking about family history.
Choice D Reason:
"How much coffee do you drink every day?": Research has suggested that caffeine consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease or may potentially delay its onset. However, the evidence is not definitive, and the relationship between caffeine intake and Parkinson's disease is still not fully understood. While caffeine consumption may be a relevant factor to explore, especially if the client has a high intake of coffee, it is not as critical as inquiring about family history, which directly addresses genetic predisposition to Parkinson's disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"If you have a cerebral aneurysm, you would be having seizures. “is incorrect because not all cerebral aneurysms cause seizures. Seizures may occur if the aneurysm ruptures and causes bleeding into the brain, but they are not a universal symptom of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm.
Choice B Reason:
"If you have a cerebral aneurysm, you will experience nausea and vomiting. “is incorrect because while headaches, nausea, and vomiting can occur with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage), they are not necessarily present in all cases, especially with unruptured aneurysms.
Choice C Reason:
"If you had a cerebral aneurysm, you would have a stiff neck." is incorrect because a stiff neck (meningeal irritation) is typically associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, but it is not always present and is not a definitive symptom of an unruptured aneurysm.
Choice D Reason:
"If you have a cerebral aneurysm, you typically will have no symptoms." Cerebral aneurysms can vary greatly in terms of their presentation and symptoms. While some aneurysms may cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or a stiff neck, many cerebral aneurysms are asymptomatic and go unnoticed until they rupture or are incidentally discovered during imaging studies for other reasons.
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