Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the CNRN Exam. Test your knowledge with our comprehensive multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your chances of a successful exam outcome!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is an effective acute treatment for cluster headaches?

Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen
100% O2 via a non-rebreathing face mask
Aspirin

The correct answer is: 100% O2 via a non-rebreathing face mask

Cluster headaches are known for their intense and severe pain, usually localized around one eye and often occurring in cyclical patterns. An effective acute treatment for these headaches focuses on rapidly alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with an active attack. Inhalation of 100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing face mask is a well-established acute treatment for cluster headaches. The mechanism involves oxygen alleviating the headache pain almost immediately in many patients, likely due to its ability to counteract the hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply) often associated with cluster headache attacks. Administering oxygen helps to dilate the blood vessels and effectively reduces pain. In contrast, while ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are all common analgesics, they are not particularly effective for treating the severe intensity of cluster headaches. These medications may offer some relief for tension-type headaches or mild migraines but do not act quickly or powerfully enough to manage the specific symptoms of cluster headaches during an active episode. Therefore, the best option for acute treatment in this context is the administration of 100% oxygen.