A young woman with migraine headaches who has recently begun taking sumatriptan (Imitrex) calls the nurse to report a sensation of chest and arm heaviness
The nurse questions the patient and determines that she feels pressure and not pain. What will the nurse do?
a. Ask the patient about any history of hypertension or coronary artery disease.
b. Determine whether the patient might be pregnant.
c. Reassure the patient that this is a transient, reversible side effect of sumatriptan.
d. Tell the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.
ANS: C
Some patients taking sumatriptan experience unpleasant chest symptoms, usually described as "heavy arms" or "chest pressure." These symptoms are transient and are not related to heart disease. Patients experiencing angina-like pain when taking sumatriptan, as a result of coronary vasospasm, should be asked about hypertension or coronary artery disease (CAD); they should not take sumatriptan if they have a history of either of these. The symptoms this patient describes are not characteristic of pregnancy. There is no need to stop taking the medication.
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