NursingSprint

✔️ A. "This medication should start to alleviate the headache within 1 hour.":

Migraine-specific medications like triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) are expected to start relieving migraine pain within 30 minutes to 1 hour when taken early during an attack.

✔️ B. "You might experience a feeling of pressure in your chest after taking this medication.":

A common side effect of triptans is chest pressure, tightness, or heaviness, often related to vasoconstriction. Although usually benign, severe chest pain should be reported immediately.

✔️ D. "You can take a second dose of this medication at least 2 hours after the initial dose if the headache persists.":

For medications like sumatriptan, clients are generally allowed to repeat the dose after 2 hours if symptoms persist, but the maximum daily dose must not be exceeded.

✔️ E. "You should discontinue this medication if pregnancy is planned or suspected.":

Triptans are classified as pregnancy risk category C, meaning they should be avoided during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Women planning pregnancy should stop use.

✔️ F. "This medication can cause you to feel tired.":

Fatigue and drowsiness are common side effects reported after taking migraine-specific medications like triptans, and clients should be cautioned about activities requiring alertness.

✔️ G. "You might experience a rash on your skin while taking this medication.":

Although rare, hypersensitivity reactions such as rash can occur with triptan use and should be reported to the provider.

Educational Insight:

According to migraine treatment guidelines (American Headache Society), triptans are first-line agents for acute migraine treatment but require careful client education about timing of doses, potential side effects, and special precautions related to cardiovascular and pregnancy risks.

Incorrect Option:

C. "Do not take more than 200 milligrams of this medication within 24 hours.

This statement is incorrect because the maximum daily dose varies depending on the specific triptan prescribed (for example, sumatriptan’s maximum is typically 200 mg/day, but this limit is not universal for all triptans). The prescription must be specific, and generalizing "200 mg" could be inaccurate without confirmation.