Author Question: A client is being switched from abortive therapy for migraines to preventive therapy. The client ... (Read 34 times)

geodog55 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is being switched from abortive therapy for migraines to preventive therapy. The client asks the nurse to explain the difference between the two types of therapy. What is the nurse's best response?

1. Preventive therapy will allow you to get pregnant while on medication.
2. Preventive therapy will help you have less pain with each headache.
3. Preventive therapy will help prevent headaches, rather than treating them when you get them.
4. Preventive therapy will prevent drug side effects, which are worse with abortive therapy.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching the client how to use sumatriptan (Imitrex) to treat migraine headaches. Which common side effects should the nurse include in this teaching?

1. Dizziness and nausea
2. Hypotension and irritability
3. Constipation and sedation
4. Anxiety and agitation

bassamabas · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Most drugs for the prevention or treatment of migraine headaches carry a risk to the fetus. All clients should consult their health care professional before getting pregnant.
Rationale 2: Preventive therapy is designed to prevent the headaches from occurring, not to decrease the pain.
Rationale 3: Preventive therapy does help prevent headaches, rather than stopping the headaches once they start.
Rationale 4: All medications carry a risk of adverse effects. Neither class of drug is free of adverse effects.
Global Rationale: Preventive therapy does help prevent headaches, rather than stopping the headaches once they start. Preventive therapy does not decrease the pain when a headache occurs. Most drugs for the prevention or treatment of migraine headaches carry a risk to the fetus. All clients should consult their health care professional before getting pregnant. All medications carry a risk of adverse effects. Neither class of drug is free of adverse effects.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Sumatriptan can cause dizziness and nausea.
Rationale 2: Sumatriptan does not cause hypotension or irritability.
Rationale 3: Sumatriptan does not cause constipation or sedation.
Rationale 4: Sumatriptan does not cause anxiety or agitation.
Global Rationale: Sumatriptan can cause dizziness and nausea. Sumatriptan does not cause hypotension, irritability, constipation, sedation, anxiety, or agitation.