The nurse is evaluating care for a patient diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who is being treated with baclofen. What does the nurse recognize as the expected outcome of this medication?
Decreased severity and duration of exacerbations
Improvement of depression and anxiety
Reduction of spinal lesions
Decreased muscle spasticity in the lower extremities
The Correct Answer is D
A. Decreased severity and duration of exacerbations: Baclofen does not alter the disease course of MS or reduce the frequency or severity of exacerbations. Disease-modifying therapies, such as interferon beta, target relapse reduction, not muscle relaxants.
B. Improvement of depression and anxiety: Baclofen is a central muscle relaxant and does not have antidepressant or anxiolytic properties. Psychological symptoms in MS require separate management, including therapy or pharmacologic interventions.
C. Reduction of spinal lesions: Baclofen does not affect the underlying demyelination or formation of spinal plaques in MS. Imaging changes occur with disease-modifying therapy, not symptomatic muscle relaxants.
D. Decreased muscle spasticity in the lower extremities: Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist that reduces excitatory neurotransmission in the spinal cord, leading to decreased muscle tone and spasticity. In MS, it is commonly prescribed to relieve stiffness and improve mobility, particularly in the lower limbs.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "It helps increase kidney function.": Hydroxychloroquine does not directly improve kidney function. Renal involvement in SLE requires separate management strategies, including immunosuppressive therapy.
B. “It helps prevent blood clots from forming.": Anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin are used to prevent clotting. Hydroxychloroquine does not serve as a primary anticoagulant, though it may have some indirect effects on thrombosis risk.
C. "It cures lupus if taken regularly.": There is currently no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine helps manage symptoms and prevent disease exacerbations, but it does not eliminate the disease.
D. "It reduces joint inflammation and prevents flare-ups.": Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medication used in SLE to reduce inflammation, control fatigue, and prevent disease flare-ups. It helps manage musculoskeletal and cutaneous symptoms and improves long-term disease outcomes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Temperature 98.6: A normal body temperature does not affect the safety of atenolol administration and is not a reason to withhold the medication.
B. Respiratory rate 18/min: This is within the normal adult range and does not contraindicate atenolol use. Respiratory rate alone is not a limiting factor for beta-blocker administration.
C. Heart rate 46: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and myocardial contractility. A resting heart rate below 50 bpm in adults indicates bradycardia, which can be worsened by the medication, posing a risk for hypotension, dizziness, or syncope. This finding warrants withholding the drug and notifying the provider.
D. Oxygen saturation 95%: This is within a safe range and does not contraindicate the administration of atenolol. Oxygenation status is not a limiting factor.
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