A nurse is caring for a patient with a recent history of migraines.
What aspect of this patient’s current status may contraindicate the safe use of triptans?
The patient has angina
The patient has a history of asthma
The patient is 75 years old
The patient’s migraines are associated with psychosocial stress
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Triptans, a class of medications commonly used to treat migraines, can cause vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels. This can be problematic for patients with angina, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart. Vasoconstriction could potentially exacerbate this condition, leading to an increased risk of a heart attack. Therefore, the use of triptans may be contraindicated in patients with angina.
Choice B rationale
While asthma is a serious condition that requires careful management, it is not typically considered a contraindication for the use of triptans. Triptans work primarily on the blood vessels in the brain and do not typically interact with the bronchial tubes affected by asthma.
Choice C rationale
Age alone is not typically a contraindication for the use of triptans. However, older adults may have a higher risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, which could make the use of triptans more risky. It’s important for healthcare providers to consider the overall health status of the patient, not just their age, when deciding whether to prescribe triptans.
Choice D rationale
While stress can certainly exacerbate migraines, it is not typically a contraindication for the use of triptans. Triptans are designed to relieve the pain and other symptoms of migraines, regardless of their cause. If a patient’s migraines are triggered by stress, it may be beneficial to explore stress management techniques in addition to medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The patient lying in bed with their head elevated to 35 degrees while eating could pose a risk for aspiration, especially for a patient with Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause difficulties with swallowing and motor control.
Therefore, it is recommended that the patient be as upright as possible, ideally in a seated position, during meals to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice B rationale
Providing thickened liquids is a common intervention for patients with Huntington’s disease who have difficulty swallowing. Thickened liquids are easier to control and swallow, reducing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale
Not rushing the patient in eating each bite is a recommended practice. Patients with Huntington’s disease often have difficulty with motor control, including swallowing. Allowing the patient to take their time can help prevent choking and aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that the patient’s food is minced is another recommended practice for patients with Huntington’s disease. Minced food is easier to chew and swallow, which can help prevent choking and aspiration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
When assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness, the nurse’s initial action should be to assess the patient’s response to pain. This is a fundamental part of the neurological examination and can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function. Pain response can be assessed by applying a painful stimulus, such as a pinch, and observing the patient’s reaction.
Choice A rationale
Assessing the patient’s ability to follow complex commands is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. This assessment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s judgment is an important part of the mental status examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. Like the ability to follow complex commands, judgment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be assessable in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the patient’s verbal response is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. The patient’s ability to speak and the content of their speech can provide important information about their neurological function, but this assessment may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
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