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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The absence of bowel sounds shortly after surgery is a common finding and does not necessarily indicate a complication at this time; it is expected during the initial postoperative period.
B. An SPO2 of 90% while the client is asleep is concerning, but it does not take precedence over signs of possible surgical complications that could require immediate intervention.
C. Increasing abdominal distention is a critical sign that could indicate serious complications such as an anastomotic leak, bowel obstruction, or intra-abdominal bleeding, and it requires immediate notification of the surgeon for further evaluation and potential intervention.
D. A small amount of green-tinged fluid from the nasogastric tube is typical postoperatively and does not necessitate immediate notification to the surgeon unless the volume is excessive or other concerning signs are present.