Which action should the nurse take when assessing a patient with ...

[jon_i]

Which action should the nurse take when assessing a patient with trigeminal neuralgia?
 
  a. Have the patient clench the jaws.
  b. Inspect the oral mucosa and teeth.
  c. Palpate the face to compare skin temperature bilaterally.
  d. Identify trigger zones by lightly touching the affected side.

Question 2

When evaluating outcomes of a glycerol rhizotomy for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia, the nurse will
 
  a. assess whether the patient is doing daily facial exercises.
  b. question whether the patient is using an eye shield at night.
  c. ask the patient about social activities with family and friends.
  d. remind the patient to chew on the unaffected side of the mouth.

[polinasid]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Oral hygiene is frequently neglected because of fear of triggering facial pain. Having the patient clench the facial muscles will not be useful because the sensory branches of the nerve are affected by trigeminal neuralgia. Light touch and palpation may be triggers for pain and should be avoided.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Because withdrawal from social activities is a common manifestation of trigeminal neuralgia, asking about social activities will help in evaluating whether the patient's symptoms have improved. Glycerol rhizotomy does not damage the corneal reflex or motor functions of the trigeminal nerve, so there is no need to use an eye shield, do facial exercises, or take precautions with chewing.

[jon_i]

TYSM

[dantucker]

Excellent