Which adverse effect should a nurse instruct a client on sumatriptan to monitor for?

Sumatriptan is a medication primarily used to treat migraines and cluster headaches. One of the known adverse effects associated with this medication is chest pressure or tightness. This can occur due to the vasoconstrictive effects of sumatriptan, which is designed to alleviate migraine symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain. While this effect can be beneficial for headache relief, it may lead to uncomfortable sensations in the chest and, in some cases, could indicate serious cardiovascular complications.

Monitoring for chest pressure is important as it can help determine if the medication is causing significant cardiovascular effects that may require intervention. Clients are advised to report any feeling of chest pressure to their healthcare provider, as it may necessitate further evaluation.

The other choices, though they represent effects that can occur with various medical conditions or treatments, are not directly associated as common or significant adverse effects of sumatriptan. Hence, educating the client to monitor for chest pressure is crucial for safe administration of this medication.