The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The client was given a medical prescription for tizanidine. What information would the nurse provide regarding this medication? Tizanidine is

a sleep aid and used to promote sleep along with melatonin.

a muscle relaxant medication used to reduce muscle spasms.

an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections.

an opiate and is used to relieve severe pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Tizanidine is a sleep aid and used to promote sleep along with melatonin:

This is incorrect. Tizanidine is not classified as a sleep aid. While muscle relaxants like tizanidine may cause drowsiness as a side effect, its primary purpose is to reduce muscle spasms rather than to promote sleep. Using it in combination with melatonin for sleep would not be appropriate unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider.

B. Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant medication used to reduce muscle spasms:

Tizanidine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that is commonly used to treat muscle spasms and spasticity. In clients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spasticity can be a significant symptom, leading to muscle stiffness and discomfort. Tizanidine helps by relaxing the muscles and alleviating the muscle tightness associated with ALS. It works by inhibiting nerve impulses that cause muscles to contract, thus reducing spasticity and improving mobility. This medication is not intended for sleep promotion or pain relief directly, but rather to manage muscle spasms.

C. Tizanidine is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections:

This is incorrect. Tizanidine is not an antibiotic and has no role in treating bacterial infections. It is a muscle relaxant used for managing spasticity, not an antimicrobial drug.

D. Tizanidine is an opiate and is used to relieve severe pain:

This is incorrect. Tizanidine is not an opiate and does not belong to the class of opioids. It does not have the pain-relieving effects of opioid analgesics. While it may provide some relief from muscle discomfort, it is not used to treat severe pain in the way opiates like morphine or oxycodone are. Tizanidine’s primary purpose is to address muscle spasticity, not pain management.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Sublingual nitroglycerin each day to prevent chest pain:
The statement about taking sublingual nitroglycerin daily is incorrect. Sublingual nitroglycerin is prescribed as needed for acute chest pain (angina) or for relieving chest discomfort associated with myocardial infarction (MI). It is not intended for daily use as a preventive measure. The client should be educated to use sublingual nitroglycerin only when experiencing chest pain, and if the pain persists or worsens, they should seek immediate medical help. Daily or routine use of nitroglycerin should be avoided unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. The client should also be educated about other preventive measures like long-acting nitrates if needed for chest pain prevention.

Explanation of other options:

B. Clopidogrel to prevent clots from forming:
This statement is correct. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication commonly prescribed after a myocardial infarction to help prevent the formation of blood clots, which can reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events such as stroke or further heart attacks. It works by inhibiting platelets from clumping together, which is crucial in the post-MI period.

C. Atorvastatin at bedtime to reduce my cholesterol levels:
This statement is correct. Atorvastatin is a statin medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), which contributes to atherosclerosis and increases the risk of further heart problems. Statins are often prescribed after a myocardial infarction to help reduce the risk of future events. Taking atorvastatin at bedtime is also a common recommendation because cholesterol synthesis is higher during the night.

D. Metoprolol to decrease my heart's need for oxygen:
This statement is correct. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn lowers the heart's oxygen demand. After a myocardial infarction, beta-blockers like metoprolol are commonly prescribed to prevent further heart damage, reduce ischemia, and decrease the likelihood of arrhythmias. They help in the management of heart failure as well by improving the heart's efficiency.

A. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L (normal 3.5 mEq/L-5.3 mEq/L.) B. T wave depression on electrocardiogram C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute D. Blood pressure of 90/50

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L: A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is slightly elevated but is still within a potentially acceptable range (normal is 3.5-5.3 mEq/L). While elevated potassium can be a concern, particularly in the context of an MI or with certain medications (like potassium-sparing diuretics), this level is not critically high. The nurse should monitor the potassium levels, but this is not an urgent finding requiring immediate reporting unless it increases further or is accompanied by significant symptoms (such as arrhythmias).

B. T wave depression on electrocardiogram (ECG): T wave depression can be a sign of ischemia or injury, which is common in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction. However, T wave changes are expected in this context and do not indicate an immediate emergency. The nurse should continue to monitor the ECG for any progression or worsening of ischemic changes but should prioritize concerns such as hypotension or worsening clinical status over this finding.

C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute: A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within normal limits (60-100 beats per minute), especially in the early stages of an MI. Nitroglycerin may cause a reflex tachycardia as a compensatory response to the decreased blood pressure, but a heart rate of 90 bpm is not an alarming finding. The nurse should continue to monitor the heart rate, but it is not the most pressing concern compared to hypotension. 4o mini

D. Blood pressure of 90/50: A blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg is significantly low and could indicate that the client is experiencing hypotension, which is a known side effect of nitroglycerin infusion. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, which can reduce blood pressure, especially in clients who are already at risk due to an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Low blood pressure can compromise perfusion to vital organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys, and may lead to shock if not corrected promptly. This finding should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider, as it may require adjustment of the nitroglycerin dosage or discontinuation of the infusion.

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Arterial Blood Gases
pH	7.35-7.45
PaCO2	35-45mmHg
PaO2	80-100mmHg
HCO3-	22-26 mEq/L
O2 Saturation	>95%
Chemistry
BUN	8-21mg/dl
Creatinine	0.5-1.2mg/dl
Na	135-145 mEq/L
K	3.5-5.3 mEq/L
Cl	97-107 mEq/L
CO2	22-26 mEq/L
Ca	8.2-10.2 mg/dl
Glucose	65-99 mg/dl
Mg	1.7-2.2 mg/dl
PO4	2.5-4.5 mg/dl

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The client was given a medical prescription for tizanidine. What information would the nurse provide regarding this medication? Tizanidine is

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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