A client with muscle spasticity receives a prescription for baclofen. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?
Use stool softener as needed.
Avoid ingestion of alcohol.
Discontinue when spasms cease.
Take medication with meals.
The Correct Answer is C
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medication used to treat muscle spasticity, which is a condition that causes muscles to become stiff and rigid. It works by reducing the activity of nerves in the brain and spinal cord that cause muscle spasms.
Option a, using stool softener as needed, is appropriate because baclofen can cause constipation as a side effect.
Option b, avoiding ingestion of alcohol, is also appropriate because alcohol can increase the sedative effects of baclofen and cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Option d, taking medication with meals, is recommended because it can help reduce stomach upset and nausea that may occur as a side effect of the medication.
Option c, discontinuing the medication when spasms cease, is incorrect because muscle spasticity is a chronic condition, and baclofen is used to manage symptoms over a prolonged period. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and exacerbate the spasticity. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client to take the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider and not discontinue it without medical advice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Sucralfate is a medication used to treat and prevent the return of duodenal ulcers. It is important to take sucralfate on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. This allows the medication to work effectively by sticking to damaged ulcer tissue and protecting against acid and enzymes so healing can occur.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction.
Monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate that the medication is not effectively reducing ammonia absorption and may require adjustment in dose or frequency. Additionally, monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect any imbalances that may occur because of lactulose therapy.
Fingerstick glucose levels (option A) are not relevant to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
Stool color and character (option C) may be monitored to assess the side effects of lactulose, such as diarrhea, but are not the best assessments to evaluate therapeutic response.
Serum hepatic enzymes (option D) may be useful in assessing the severity of liver disease but are not the best assessment to evaluate the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
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