A client has been treated for a migraine headache, given a prescription for sumatriptan (Imitrex), and is being dismissed from the clinic

Question

Which client statements would the nurse evaluate as meeting the goal that, prior to dismissal, the client will verbalize symptoms that indicate the need to contact the health care professional?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "I should report any tightness in my chest."
2. "I should expect some dizziness and blurred vision until I get acclimated to this drug, so that should not be reported."
3. "If I get a headache after drinking alcoholic beverages, I should notify my health care provider."
4. "If I get a really bad headache, I should report it."
5. "If I notice a rash when I have a headache, I should report it."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,4,5
Rationale 1: Triptans and ergot alkaloids cause vasoconstriction. Persons at risk for cardiovascular disease need close monitoring.
Rationale 2: Dizziness, light-headedness, or blurred vision should be reported immediately as it is impossible to determine if the symptoms are drug related, related to the migraine, or signal cerebral ischemia.
Rationale 3: Alcoholic beverages are a known migraine trigger. It is not necessary to notify the health care provider.
Rationale 4: Changes in severity, character, or duration of headaches should be reported because they may not be migraines.
Rationale 5: Fever, rash, or stiff neck may indicate meningitis.
Global Rationale: Triptans and ergot alkaloids cause vasoconstriction. Persons at risk for cardiovascular disease need close monitoring. Changes in severity, character, or duration of headaches should be reported because they may not be migraines. Fever, rash, or stiff neck may indicate meningitis. Dizziness, light-headedness, or blurred vision should be reported immediately as it is impossible to determine if the symptoms are drug related, related to the migraine, or signal cerebral ischemia. Alcoholic beverages are a known migraine trigger. It is not necessary to notify the health care provider.