Chapter 38, Caring for Clients With Cerebrovascular Disorders

1.A client presents to the walk-in clinic complaining of a migraine. The client is prescribed a neuronal stabilizer. What should the nurse suggest to the client? A) Avoid crowds. B) Take drugs only after meals at night. C) Avoid caffeine and alcohol. D) Use caution while driving or performing hazardous activities. Ans: D Feedback: A client who is prescribed a neuronal stabilizer needs to exercise caution while driving and avoid performing hazardous activities. A client taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be advised against taking caffeine and alcohol. The client need not take the drug only at night after meals or be instructed to avoid crowds. 2.A client has just been diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm. In planning discharge teaching for this client, what instructions should be delivered by the nurse to the client? A) Avoid heavy lifting. B) Avoid fiber in the diet. C) Take an antacid frequently. D) Take an herbal form of feverfew. Ans: A Feedback: A client with an aneurysm should be advised to avoid heavy lifting, extreme emotional situations, or straining of stools because these activities increase intracranial pressure and thereby headaches and potential rupture of aneurysm. Avoidance of fiber may lead to constipation and straining with stools and would not be recommended. There would not be a recommendation for antacids or feverfew in the discharge teaching. 3.A client has tension headaches. The nurse recommends massage as a treatment for tension headaches. How does massage help clients with tension headaches? A) Reduces hypotension B) Increases appetite C) Relaxes muscles D) Relieves migraines Ans: C Feedback: Massaging relaxes tense muscles, causes local dilation of blood vessels, and relieves headache. However, this approach is not likely to help a client with migraine or cluster headaches. Massage is not offered to clients with tension headaches to increase their appetite or reduce hypotension.