The nurse is administering the muscle relaxant baclofen by mouth (PO) to a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to reduce muscle spasticity in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. One of the common side effects of baclofen is dizziness or orthostatic hypotension, which can increase the risk of falls. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking to prevent falls and injury.

Choice B rationale: Monitoring intake and output every 8 hours is not directly related to the administration of baclofen.

Choice C rationale: Ensuring the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics is not the correct intervention. Baclofen should not be abruptly discontinued without medical advice, and its use should be discussed with the healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale: Evaluating muscle strength every 4 hours may be part of the client's overall care plan, but it is not directly related to the administration of baclofen. Muscle strength evaluation is more pertinent for assessing the progression of multiple sclerosis and its effects on muscle function.

Choice A rationale: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a different class of
medications commonly used to relieve pain, inflammation, and reduce fever. They are not used
for treating hypertension or acting as ACE inhibitors.
Choice B rationale: Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are another class of
antihypertensive medications that work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that
causes blood vessels to constrict. While ARBs are similar in function to ACE inhibitors in
managing blood pressure, captopril specifically belongs to the ACE inhibitor class.
Choice C rationale: Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE
inhibitors are a class of antihypertensive medications that work by inhibiting the enzyme ACE,
which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. By inhibiting this conversion, ACE inhibitors
help relax and dilate blood vessels, leading to decreased blood pressure. They are commonly
used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
Choice D rationale: Aldosterone antagonists are a different class of medications used to block the
action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and water balance in the body. They are
used to manage conditions such as heart failure and hypertension but are not synonymous with ACE inhibitors like captopril.