A 29-year-old woman presents to the urgent care center with a history of a severe headache of 2 hours' duration. She describes it as bandlike and constricting. In interviewing the woman about her complaint, you would ask:
a. whether she has experienced increased tearfulness.
b. the date of her last menstrual period.
c. whether these headaches started in child-hood.
d. whether she is particularly stressed or overworked.
D
This woman is describing a tension headache, which feels bandlike and constricting. Tension headaches are associated with stress, so you should inquire about her stress level. Increased tear-fulness is common with cluster headaches, and migraines are associated with menstrual periods. You would not need to ask whether these headaches started in childhood.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient with GERD who has a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Which of the following information is essential to include?
A) He will need to undergo an upper endoscopy every 6 to 12 months to detect malignant changes. B) Liver enzymes must be checked regularly, as H2 receptor antagonists may cause hepatic damage. C) Small amounts of blood are likely to be present in his stools and should not cause concern. D) Antacids may be discontinued when symptoms of heartburn subside.
The nurse is teaching a community health program on the danger of extremes of hot and cold temperatures. Which statement by a participant indicates to the nurse that more teaching is needed?
A) "I need to check on my elderly neighbors during the winter." B) "I need to make sure my elderly parents are drinking enough and staying cool in the summer." C) "We should make sure the homeless have shelter in extremes of weather." D) "There are homeless shelters, so why do we need to check on those who chose to sleep in the park?"
Which of the following may lead to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), also called consumption coagulopathy, in the mother?
1. Hypertensive disorders 2. Abruptio placentae 3. Prolonged retention of the dead fetus 4. Heritable thrombophilias
Which behavior would be most characteristic of an individual with narcissistic personality disorder?
a. A lifelong pattern of social withdrawal b. Refusal to enter into relationships for fear of rejection c. Belief in entitlement to special privileges that others may not have d. Belief in possessing the ability to know what others are thinking