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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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.

A. Red meat B. Frozen yogurt C. Canned soup D. Shellfish

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale
Patients with Ménière’s disease are often advised to limit or avoid foods high in sodium, such as canned soup. High sodium intake can increase fluid retention, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Choice A rationale
There is no specific recommendation for patients with Ménière’s disease to limit or avoid red meat. However, a balanced diet that includes lean proteins is generally recommended for overall health.
Choice B rationale
Frozen yogurt is not specifically contraindicated for patients with Ménière’s disease. However, patients should be mindful of the sugar content, as high sugar intake can potentially trigger symptoms.

Choice D rationale
Shellfish is not specifically contraindicated for patients with Ménière’s disease. However, patients should be mindful of the preparation method and any added sodium, which can exacerbate symptoms.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient whose recent health history includes an altered level of consciousness. What should be the nurse’s initial action when assessing this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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?