A patient who has Parkinson disease is being treated with the anticholinergic medication benztropine (Cogentin). The nurse will tell the patient that this drug will have which effect?

A) Interferon-B (IFN-B): Interferon-beta is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) used for multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and slow disease progression. However, it is not typically used during an acute exacerbation of MS. It is more commonly prescribed for long-term management of the disease.
B) Mitoxantrone: Mitoxantrone is an immunosuppressive agent that is used as a disease-modifying therapy for patients with more aggressive forms of MS. While it can be helpful in reducing the frequency of attacks, it is not the first-line treatment during an acute relapse. Mitoxantrone is often considered for long-term use when other therapies are not effective.
C) Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone): Glatiramer acetate is another disease-modifying therapy for MS. It works by altering the immune response to protect the myelin sheath. Like interferon-beta, it is used for long-term management, not for acute attacks. It is not typically used during an exacerbation of MS.
D) Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol): Methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, is the standard treatment for acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. It works by reducing inflammation, which helps to decrease the severity of symptoms during an MS relapse. The nurse would anticipate this drug being prescribed to manage the acute inflammatory episode and speed recovery from the attack. This medication is often administered intravenously in high doses and then tapered as the patient stabilizes.

A) Stop taking the medication immediately: Abruptly stopping amitriptyline without the guidance of a healthcare provider can cause withdrawal symptoms and other complications. Discontinuing this medication should only be done under medical supervision.

B) Increase fluid intake: Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. Increasing fluid intake helps manage dry mouth by stimulating salivation and helps alleviate constipation by promoting bowel regularity.

C) Request another antidepressant: While amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and constipation, switching medications should not be the first step. These side effects are often manageable with lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, and adjustments to the treatment plan can be considered if the symptoms are severe or persistent.

D) Notify the provider: While it is important for the nurse to document and inform the provider about any significant side effects, this instruction alone does not provide immediate relief to the patient. It is more appropriate to first recommend increasing fluid intake, and then the nurse can discuss with the provider if the symptoms persist or worsen.