Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving sumatriptan for cluster headaches. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as an adverse effect?

A. Hypotension
B. TInnitus
C. Urinary retention
D. Chest pressure

Answer 1

The nurse should expect "B. Tinnitus" as an adverse effect in a client receiving sumatriptan for cluster headaches.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sumatriptan is a medication commonly used to treat cluster headaches. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a known adverse effect associated with its use. This condition may occur due to the vasoconstrictive effects of sumatriptan, which can affect blood flow in the inner ear, leading to auditory disturbances such as tinnitus. Monitoring for this side effect is crucial as it can impact the patient's quality of life and may require further intervention or adjustment of the treatment plan.

It's important for the nurse to educate the patient about potential side effects and encourage them to report any unusual symptoms promptly. Additionally, regular assessments, including a thorough review of the patient's medical history and baseline assessments of hearing function, should be conducted. If tinnitus occurs, the nurse should collaborate with the healthcare team to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include adjusting the medication dosage or exploring alternative treatment options. As with any medication, the benefits and risks should be carefully considered, and individualized care plans should be developed to optimize patient outcomes while minimizing adverse effects.

Answer 2

Chest pressure is a potential adverse effect of sumatriptan, a medication used for treating cluster headaches. It can mimic the symptoms of angina due to coronary artery vasospasm (option D).

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client who is receiving sumatriptan should be aware of the drug's potential adverse effects. Sumatriptan is a medication commonly prescribed for cluster headaches, which are intense headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters.

One of the known adverse effects of sumatriptan includes sensations of chest pressure or tightness, often described as chest discomfort. This is because sumatriptan can cause coronary artery vasospasm, which mimics the symptoms of angina. Other common adverse effects are tingling, warmth, flushing, and dizziness, but not typically hypotension, tinnitus, or urinary retention.

Therefore, the nurse should expect chest pressure as a potential adverse effect when administering sumatriptan for cluster headaches.

Hence, the answer is option D.