3/3 Ch. 24-25

Question 1

What is the pathology behind headaches?

Answer 1

Dilation and inflammation of intracranial blood vessels

Question 2

What happens prior to headache pain?

Answer 2

Vasodilation then pain

Question 3

What type of drug acts on serotonin receptors and what type of agonists are they?

Answer 3

Triptans: serotonin receptor agonists

Question 4

How do triptans relieve pain

Answer 4

Constricting blood vessels and suppressing inflammation to counteract vasodilation

Question 5

What side effects/adverse reactions are associated with triptans ?

Answer 5

Chest symptoms
- Not dangerous, not related to heart disease
Coronary vasospasm
- May cause angina secondary to vasospasm
- Avoid in patients with CAD
Fatigue
Tingling sesations
- d/t vasoconstriction
Avoid in pregnancy

Question 6

What should the nurse monitor in a patient taking morphine?

Answer 6

Urinary retention

Question 7

Which medication is contraindicated with aspirin?

Answer 7

Warfarin

Question 8

A client with osteoarthritis is prescribed a COX-2 inhibitor. Which statement could warrant and intervention by the nurse?

Answer 8

“I take aspirin daily to help prevent heart disease”
- Taking ASA with an NSAID increases risk of GI upset and possible bleeding