Question

A 29-year-old male complains of a severe headache and nausea that has gradually worsened over the past 12 hours. He is conscious, alert, and oriented and tells you that his physician diagnosed him with migraine headaches. He further tells you that he has taken numerous different medications, but none of them seem to help. His blood pressure is 132/74 mm Hg, his pulse is 110 beats/min and strong, and his respirations are 20 breaths/min. Treatment should include:

(a) assisting him with his migraine medication and transporting without lights and siren.
(b) placing him in a supine position and transporting with lights and siren to a stroke center.
(c) applying warm compresses to the back of his neck and transporting with lights and siren.
(d) dimming the lights in the back of the ambulance and transporting without lights and siren.

Answer 1

The most suitable treatment for a 29-year-old male with a severe headache and nausea, who has a history of migraine headaches, is to assist with migraine medication and transport to a healthcare facility without the use of lights and siren to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the symptoms and the history of migraine headaches as diagnosed by a physician, the best course of action for treating a 29-year-old male complaining of severe headache and nausea would be option (a) assisting him with his migraine medication and transporting without lights and siren. This approach offers a quiet environment, which can be beneficial for patients suffering from migraines, as loud noises and bright lights can often exacerbate their symptoms. It's important to ensure the comfort of the patient and monitor his condition en route to the healthcare facility.

However, if the patient presents signs that are unusual for his migraine or if he shows any new or alarming symptoms, such as confusion, severe sudden headache, vision changes, trouble speaking, or one-sided numbness or weakness, more emergent transport might be warranted due to the possibility of a more serious condition like a stroke. Such symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention in a hospital setting.