A nurse is caring for a patient who experiences severe cluster headaches.
At what point in the course of a new headache should the patient be instructed to take medications?

Twenty to thirty minutes after the onset of symptoms.

As soon as the patient senses the onset of the symptoms.

As soon as the patient’s pain becomes unbearable.

When the patient senses their symptoms are peaking.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice B rationale
Patients who experience severe cluster headaches should be instructed to take medications as soon as they sense the onset of symptoms. Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, debilitating pain that reaches peak intensity within a short period of time, often within 15 minutes. Therefore, early intervention is crucial to manage the pain effectively.
Choice A rationale

Waiting twenty to thirty minutes after the onset of symptoms to take medications may not be effective for cluster headaches. The pain of a cluster headache often reaches peak intensity within 15 minutes, so delaying medication could result in unnecessary suffering.
Choice C rationale
Waiting until the patient’s pain becomes unbearable is not recommended for managing cluster headaches. The goal of treatment is to prevent or reduce pain, not to wait until it becomes unbearable.
Choice D rationale
Taking medications when the patient senses their symptoms are peaking is not the most effective strategy for managing cluster headaches. Given the rapid onset and severe pain associated with cluster headaches, medications should be taken as soon as the patient senses the onset of symptoms.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Introducing oneself after entering the patient’s room is a key aspect of effective communication with a blind patient. This helps the patient identify who is in the room with them.
Choice B rationale
Using a firm, loud voice when addressing the patient is not necessarily effective. While it’s important to speak clearly, raising one’s voice can come off as patronizing or disrespectful. It’s better to speak in a normal tone and adjust as needed based on the patient’s feedback.
Choice C rationale

Lightly touching the patient’s arm can be an effective way to gain their attention, especially if they may not have heard you enter the room. However, it’s important to ask for consent before touching the patient.
Choice D rationale
Providing instructions in clear, simple terms can be very helpful for a blind patient. This can help them understand what is happening and what they need to do.

A. Have the patient lie flat for 6 hours. B. Have the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees. C. Early ambulation. D. Have the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
After a lumbar puncture, it is important for the patient to lie flat for approximately 6 hours. This position helps to prevent headaches that can occur after the procedure, which are caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the needle puncture site. Lying flat allows the puncture site to seal and prevents the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
Choice B rationale
Having the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees is not typically recommended immediately after a lumbar puncture. This position could potentially increase the risk of a post-lumbar puncture headache.
Choice C rationale
Early ambulation is not recommended after a lumbar puncture. Moving around too soon after the procedure can increase the risk of a headache and may also increase the risk of complications at the puncture site.
Choice D rationale
Having the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating is not a typical recommendation after a lumbar puncture. The standard recommendation is to have the patient lie flat for approximately 6 hours to reduce the risk of complications.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is caring for a patient who experiences severe cluster headaches. At what point in the course of a new headache should the patient be instructed to take medications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse, during a shift report, learns that a patient under their care is blind. What actions by the nurse would demonstrate effective communication?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A patient is having 20 mL of cerebral spinal fluid removed via a lumbar puncture. What intervention is important after the procedure?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is being admitted to the unit with suspected herpes simplex virus encephalitis. What nursing action best addresses the patient’s complaints of headache?

A nurse is caring for a 46-year-old patient who has had a major ischemic stroke in the last 25 minutes. The patient’s vital signs are: Temp 98.7, HR: 98, RR: 28, BP: 165/98. Which medication does the nurse anticipate the doctor will order?

The nurse is providing discharge education to a patient newly diagnosed with Ménière’s disease. What food should the patient be instructed to limit or avoid?

A nurse is educating a client recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The nurse is conducting an assessment on a patient suspected of having a stroke. Which assessment finding is most indicative of a stroke?

A nurse is conducting an assessment on a patient diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Which of the following symptoms is the nurse likely to observe?

The nurse is caring for a client who is suspected of meningitis. After reviewing lab results, the nurse will anticipate that the provider will prescribe which medications to treat the meningitis?

During the performance of a Romberg test, the nurse observes the client sway slightly. What action should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a patient who experiences severe cluster headaches.
At what point in the course of a new headache should the patient be instructed to take medications?