The nurse is teaching a client who is prescribed sumatriptan therapy for treatment of migraine headaches. The nurse instructs the client to take the drug at which time?

Question

1. At the first sign of aura or headache
2. First thing in the morning if expecting a headache
3. When the client can lie down for one hour after taking the drug
4. About 30 minutes after the start of the headache

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The client should take the medication at the first sign of aura or headache for it to be most effective.
Rationale 2: The client should take the medication at the first sign of a headache, not if expecting one.
Rationale 3: The client does not need to be able to lie down after taking sumatriptan.
Rationale 4: The client should not wait this long to take the medication.
Global Rationale: The client should take the medication at the first sign of aura or headache for it to be most effective. The client should not take the medication prior to symptoms. The client does not need to be able to lie down after taking sumatriptan nor does the client need to wait 30 minutes after symptoms begin before taking the medication.