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The client is admitted into the emergency department with frontal-temporal pain, preceded by a visual disturbance. The client is upset and thinks it is a stroke. What does the nurse suspect may be occurring?

A) Stroke
B) Tension headache
C) Classic migraine
D) Cluster headache

User Yva
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Final answer:

The nurse would suspect that the client may be experiencing a classic migraine. The symptoms of frontal-temporal pain and visual disturbances suggest that the client might be experiencing a classic migraine rather than a stroke, but a healthcare professional should evaluate to confirm the diagnosis. The correct option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would suspect that the client may be experiencing a classic migraine. Migraines are characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, and disturbed vision, which aligns with the client's symptoms of frontal-temporal pain and a visual disturbance. It is important for medical professionals to accurately diagnose the type of headache the client is experiencing in order to provide appropriate treatment and support.

The symptoms of frontal-temporal pain and visual disturbances suggest that the client might be experiencing a classic migraine rather than a stroke, but a healthcare professional should evaluate to confirm the diagnosis.

The symptoms described by the client, which include frontal-temporal pain, visual disturbances, and concern for a stroke, are indicative of a classic migraine. Migraines often present with severe pain on one or both sides of the head, disturbed vision, and sometimes nausea. They are differentiated from strokes in that migraines are not typically associated with the sudden onset of neurological deficits such as weakness or speech difficulties that characterize a stroke. The mention of an upset stomach also aligns with the common symptoms of a migraine. However, it's important to rule out other conditions, and only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Given the client's presentation of frontal-temporal pain preceded by a visual disturbance, the nurse may suspect that the client is experiencing a classic migraine. Classic migraines, also known as migraine with aura, often manifest with neurological symptoms, such as visual disturbances or aura, before the onset of the headache. These visual disturbances can include flashes of light, zigzag lines, or temporary vision loss, which may be alarming to the individual. The frontal-temporal pain aligns with the typical headache phase of a migraine.

While a stroke is a serious medical condition that can also present with neurological symptoms, migraines and strokes have distinctive features. Migraines are typically characterized by throbbing, pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head, whereas strokes may present with sudden and severe headaches but are more commonly associated with motor or sensory deficits.

Options B and D, tension headache and cluster headache, respectively, are less likely in this context as they do not typically involve visual disturbances preceding the headache. Tension headaches are often associated with stress and present as a steady, non-throbbing pain, while cluster headaches are known for their severe, unilateral pain accompanied by symptoms such as eye tearing and nasal congestion. Therefore, based on the given symptoms, a classic migraine is the most likely scenario.

User Thomas Watnedal
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