Headache Management and Medications

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Questions and Answers

What is a recommended nursing care focus during a headache episode?

Ensure the client takes antibiotics as a preventive measure

Encourage physical activity to alleviate pain

Maintain a cool, dark, quiet environment (correct)

Provide a stimulating environment to distract the client

Which medication is considered an abortive therapy for mild migraines?

OnabotulinumtoxinA

Zolmitriptan

Divalproex

Ibuprofen (correct)

In what circumstance should neuroimaging be performed?

Only when headaches occur after physical activity

When nausea accompanies the headache

If the client is over 50 years old with new headaches (correct)

In case of headaches lasting less than 24 hours

Which medication class is included in preventive therapy for frequent headaches?

NSAIDs with beta-blockers Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary instruction for clients taking beta-adrenergic blockers?

Regularly check their pulse Signup and view all the answers

What dietary substances should be avoided to decrease the likelihood of migraine triggers?

Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and beer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping a diary for headache patterns and triggers?

To identify changes in intensity and new symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which complementary therapy may help alleviate muscle tension related to migraines?

Yoga and meditation Signup and view all the answers

What should clients be cautious about when considering herbal remedies for migraines?

They may interact with prescription medications Signup and view all the answers

What duration should the external trigeminal nerve stimulator be used daily for migraine relief?

For no more than 20 minutes per day Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of a cluster headache episode?

15 minutes to 3 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of cluster headaches in terms of gender prevalence?

More common in males aged 20 to 50 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with cluster headaches?

Aura before headache Signup and view all the answers

During a cluster headache, which of the following behaviors is often observed in affected individuals?

Sitting and rocking Signup and view all the answers

Cluster headaches are often followed by what specific phase?

A period of remission Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with cluster headaches?

Tearing of the eye Signup and view all the answers

What demographic is most frequently affected by cluster headaches?

Males between 20 to 50 years Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected behavior during a cluster headache episode?

Pacing or sitting and rocking Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the physiological effects noted during a cluster headache?

Miosis (pupil constriction) Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate home care strategy during a headache episode?

Remain in a cool, dark, quiet environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is primarily acute therapy for migraine headaches?

Triptans Signup and view all the answers

Which of these foods should be avoided to prevent migraines?

Foods containing tyramine Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended regarding oxygen use during a headache?

Maintain safety precautions while using oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can trigger headaches according to the provided information?

Excessive physical activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of dry macular degeneration?

Gradual blockage in retinal capillary arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for dry macular degeneration?

Obesity Signup and view all the answers

Which group is most likely to be affected by dry macular degeneration?

Caucasian women over 60 Signup and view all the answers

What underlying factor contributes to wet macular degeneration?

New growth of blood vessels with thin walls Signup and view all the answers

At which age can wet macular degeneration potentially occur?

At any age Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diagnostic Procedures

Neuroimaging is recommended if neurological findings are present or if the client is over 50 with a new onset of headaches.

Patient-Centered Care

Focus of nursing care during a headache is pain management.
Maintain a cool, dark, and quiet environment.
Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.
Administer prescribed medications (analgesics and antiemetics).

Medications

Abortive Therapy

Used to alleviate pain during or soon after the start of a headache (for aura or regular onset of headaches).
Mild migraines: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), acetaminophen, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
Antiemetics (metoclopramide) for nausea and vomiting.
Severe migraines: Triptan preparations (zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, eletriptan) for vasoconstriction.
Ergotamine preparations with caffeine (dihydroergotamine) to narrow blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
Isometheptene in combination formulations if other medications are ineffective.

Preventive Therapy

Used for frequent headaches or when other therapies are ineffective.
NSAIDs with beta-blockers (propranolol), calcium channel blockers, or antiepileptic medications (divalproex, topiramate).
Monitor pulse when taking beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is approved for chronic migraines in adults. Injected into head and neck; up to 5 treatment cycles.

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Description

This quiz covers essential diagnostic procedures, patient-centered care techniques, and abortive therapies for managing headaches. It focuses on identifying appropriate medications and strategies to alleviate pain during a headache episode, including NSAIDs, triptans, and antiemetics.