Question

The client with a migraine is lying in a darkened room with a wet cloth on the head after receiving analgesic drugs. What will the nurse do next?

A) Allow the client to remain undisturbed.
B) Assess the client's vital signs.
C) Remove the cloth because it can harbor microorganisms.
D) Turn on the lights for a neurologic assessment.

Answer 1

The nurse should allow the client with a migraine to remain undisturbed in a darkened room after administering analgesic drugs, to promote recovery in a conducive environment. Periodic assessment should be done gently to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client who is experiencing a migraine, nurse intervention is critical for pain management and comfort. Given that the client has received analgesic drugs and is lying in a darkened room with a wet cloth on their head, the nurse should A) Allow the client to remain undisturbed. The goal at this point is to promote a calm and soothing environment to facilitate the effectiveness of the analgesic drugs and mitigate the patient's migraine symptoms. After ensuring that the client is comfortable and safe, the nurse can continue to monitor the client quietly and can periodically check in to assess for any changes in symptoms or comfort level.

Additional assessments, such as checking vital signs, can be performed as necessary, taking care not to overstimulate the patient which could potentially worsen migraine symptoms. The nurse's role involves balancing active intervention with passive monitoring, always with the client's comfort and well-being as the priority.