Question

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client with migraine headaches who is receiving propranolol (Inderal) for migraine headaches. What health teaching by the nurse is important for the client?

A. "Take this drug only when you have symptoms at the beginning of a migraine headache."
B. "This drug is low dose, so you don't have to worry about your heart rate or blood pressure."
C. "This drug will relieve the pain during the aura phase soon after a headache has started."
D. "Take this drug as prescribed every day, even when feeling well, to prevent a migraine."

Answer 1

Clients taking propranolol for migraine prevention should take the medication daily as prescribed, monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly, and understand that this ß-blocker medication is not for acute migraine relief but for prophylactic purposes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate teaching by the nurse for a client taking propranolol (Inderal) for migraine prevention would be to take the drug as prescribed every day to prevent migraine attacks. Propranolol, a ß-blocker, helps to prevent the onset of migraines by blocking receptors that could lead to vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration. This medication does not work when taken only at the onset of migraine symptoms but works as a prophylactic to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

It's important for patients to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure regularly as propranolol can also slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure. The nurse's instruction should include the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen, even when the patient is feeling well, to maintain stable blood levels of the medication for effective migraine prevention.