A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for sumatriptan (Imitrex) tablets to treat migraine headaches. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.

Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.

Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.

Choice A: Collaborate with a physical therapist to develop programs for injured employees to return to work. This is incorrect because this is a tertiary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Tertiary prevention aims to restore function and prevent disability or complications after an injury or illness has occurred.

Choice B: Help plant workers identify signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is correct because this is a secondary prevention strategy. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat health problems early before they become more serious or chronic. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occupational health problem that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Early identification and treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage and disability.

Choice C: Organize an influenza immunization campaign. This is incorrect because this is a primary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury from occurring in the first place, by reducing exposure or risk factors. Influenza immunization can protect plant workers from getting infected by the flu virus and reduce the spread of the disease.

Choice D: Teach plant workers about proper lifting techniques. This is incorrect because this is also a primary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Proper lifting techniques can prevent musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and herniated discs, by avoiding excessive stress on the spine and joints.