The nurse is caring for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. Which medication to treat the patient's pain would the nurse question?
gabapentin
carbamazepine
baclofen
oxycodone
The Correct Answer is D
A. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant commonly used to treat neuropathic pain, including trigeminal neuralgia. It works by stabilizing nerve activity and is appropriate for this condition.
B. Carbamazepine is considered the first-line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia as it decreases nerve impulses, which helps reduce pain. It is a commonly prescribed medication for this condition.
C. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and can be used in combination with anticonvulsants to treat trigeminal neuralgia by reducing muscle spasms associated with nerve irritation.
D. Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that treats general pain but is not typically effective for the specific type of neuropathic pain experienced in trigeminal neuralgia. Opioids do not address the underlying nerve activity and are not recommended for long-term management of this condition.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Requesting a prescription to culture the wound is the priority action because the presence of redness, warmth, and serosanguinous drainage could indicate an infection that needs to be confirmed and treated appropriately.
B. While antibiotics may be necessary if an infection is confirmed, it is crucial to first determine the presence of infection through culturing the wound.
C. Assuring the client that these findings are normal may delay necessary intervention if an infection is present, which could worsen the client's condition.
D. Cleaning the wound with sterile normal saline may be appropriate as part of wound care, but it does not address the underlying concern of possible infection and would not be prioritized over obtaining a culture.