The health care provider is considering the use of sumatriptan (Imitrex) for a 54-year-old male patient with migraine headaches. Which information obtained by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?

A. The client can follow simple motor commands: A GCS score of 5 for the best motor response indicates that the client can localize pain but cannot follow simple motor commands. A score of 6 or higher is required to demonstrate following commands.

B. The client is unable to make vocal sound: A GCS score of 5 for the best verbal response indicates incomprehensible sounds or no verbal response. It does not specifically indicate the client's ability to vocalize or make sounds.

C. The client opens his eyes when spoken to: A GCS score of 3 for eye opening indicates no eye opening even to painful stimuli. It does not suggest that the client opens his eyes when spoken to.

D. The client is unconscious: A GCS score of 3 for eye opening, 5 for best verbal response, and 5 for best motor response indicates severe neurological impairment, with the client being unresponsive to stimuli and unable to follow commands. Therefore, the appropriate conclusion is that the client is unconscious.

A. Furnish restraints at the bedside: Restraints are not indicated for clients with seizure disorders. In fact, restraints can increase the risk of injury during a seizure and should be avoided.

B. Keep an oxygen setup at the bedside: Oxygen may be necessary to support the client's respiratory function during and after a seizure. Having an oxygen setup readily available can ensure prompt administration if needed.

C. Place the bed in the lowest position: Lowering the bed can help prevent injury if the client
falls out of bed during a seizure. However, it is not always feasible or necessary to lower the bed to the lowest position, especially if the client has mobility limitations or other considerations.

D. Provide a suction setup at the bedside: Suctioning may be necessary to clear the airway and prevent aspiration if the client experiences excessive oral secretions or vomiting during or after a seizure.

E. Elevate the side rails near the head when the client is in bed: Elevating the side rails near the head can help prevent injury if the client thrashes or moves unpredictably during a seizure. However, it is essential to ensure that the client's head and neck remain adequately supported and that the side rails do not restrict access to the client during a seizure.