Which of the following interventions would the nurse emphasize during education to assist the patient diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia in managing their pain?
Chew food on unaffected side
Teeth should be brushed prior to each meal
Avoid using an electric razor
Food should be served hot or cold
The Correct Answer is A
A. Chewing food on the unaffected side helps to prevent triggering pain episodes in the affected side of the face, which is critical for managing trigeminal neuralgia effectively.
B. While maintaining oral hygiene is important, the timing of brushing teeth is less critical than managing pain during eating. Brushing teeth should be done gently to avoid pain but is not specifically prioritized over other interventions.
C. Avoiding an electric razor is not relevant to managing trigeminal neuralgia pain; it relates more to safety and comfort in shaving rather than pain management.
D. Food should not be served hot or cold as extreme temperatures can trigger pain in trigeminal neuralgia patients; it's better to serve food at a moderate temperature.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A lesion of cranial nerve IX primarily affects swallowing and taste sensations rather than motor coordination or balance, so this is unlikely to explain the patient's symptoms.
B. Vestibular disease typically results in vertigo and balance issues, but the specific observations of slow alternating movements and loss of balance during the Romberg Test suggest a different underlying cause.
C. Dysfunction of the cerebellum would explain the patient's difficulties with rapid alternating movements and balance issues, as the cerebellum is responsible for coordinating motor activity and maintaining posture and balance. This aligns with the assessment findings, indicating a probable cerebellar dysfunction.
D. While an AVM in the frontal lobe could affect motor control, the specific symptoms presented, such as the inability to perform rapid movements and balance issues, are more characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction rather than a frontal lobe lesion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Inserting an oral airway and suctioning may be indicated for airway management, but the primary concern is the impaired function of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, which affects swallowing and the risk of aspiration.
B. Withholding oral fluids or foods is crucial because impaired function of these cranial nerves increases the risk of aspiration and can lead to choking or pneumonia, making this the priority action.
C. Speaking clearly while facing the client is a good communication practice but does not address the immediate concern of impaired swallowing and risk of aspiration.
D. Applying artificial tears is important for protecting the cornea, but it is not directly related to the functions of CN IX and CN X or the immediate management of swallowing difficulties.