Question

You are dispatched to a residence for a 44-year-old woman with a severe headache. You arrive to find the patient lying on her sofa with a wet washcloth on her forehead. She tells you that she has a history of migraine headaches and that this is one of her "typical" headaches. She also complains of nausea and photophobia. Her blood pressure is 170/94 mm Hg, pulse rate is 120 beats/min and regular, and respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:_______.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. oxygen as tolerated, starting an IV line and administering ondansetron, and transporting without lights or siren.

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Answer 2

Answer:

I would transport the patient to the local Emergency Department or a hospital that the patient has a medical history with. You can transport the patient without lights and sirens because this does not appear to be an emergency situation. I would hold off on the oxygen depending on what the patient's oxygen level is and because the patient's breathing seems adequate and not laborious. I would refrain from giving any fluids due to possible testing and let the physician determine what course of action is appropriate for this patient. Typically, the physician will order at CT scan (with/without contrast depending on different factors), an MRI, and sometimes bloodwork. He or she will also usually prescribe a pain med and anti-nausea medication. DO NOT administer meds because you don't know whether or not the patient is prescribed or has taken a "migraine" medication. These medications usually have a limit that can be taken in a 24-hour period. Also, take state laws into consideration because not all states license EMT's (for instance) to administer drugs. In addition, the patient's tachycardia and increased blood pressure levels is most likely dependent on the pain level the patient is experiencing.

Explanation: