A client tells the nurse they have been experiencing "severe headaches intermittently over the past 3 days" that are accompanied with unilateral pain over the right side of their face and nasal congestion. Which should the nurse suspect the client is experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral pain often around the eye or temple, and can be accompanied by nasal congestion. The description given by the client matches the symptoms of cluster headaches. Classic migraines often involve unilateral pain but are more commonly associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, rather than nasal congestion. Tension headaches typically involve a band-like pain around the head, not unilateral pain with nasal congestion. Hydrocephalus involves an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, leading to symptoms like headaches, but these are not typically described as severe and intermittent with unilateral facial pain and nasal congestion.

A Client Tells the Nurse They Have Been Experiencing "Severe