The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the discharge medication instructions with a client for disulfiram. Which instruction should the PN reinforce with the client?

Choice A reason: Range of motion assesses muscle relaxant effectiveness, as these drugs, like cyclobenzaprine, reduce muscle spasms by acting on the central nervous system, relieving pain and improving mobility. Increased leg movement indicates reduced spasm and pain, directly reflecting the drug’s therapeutic action.

Choice B reason: Capillary refill evaluates perfusion, not muscle relaxation. Muscle relaxants target spasms, not vascular status. While pain may indirectly affect circulation, capillary refill does not measure the drug’s primary effect on muscle function, making this choice irrelevant.

Choice C reason: Dependent edema reflects fluid status, not muscle relaxant efficacy. These drugs reduce muscle tension, not swelling. Edema is unrelated to leg pain from spasms, and muscle relaxants do not affect fluid dynamics, making this choice inappropriate for assessment.

Choice D reason: Skin temperature may indicate inflammation or circulation but is not specific to muscle relaxant effects. These drugs alleviate spasms, improving mobility, not temperature. Range of motion directly measures spasm relief, making this choice less relevant for evaluating the medication’s impact.

Choice A reason: Stating that HIV is not cured by antiretrovirals is correct, as these drugs suppress viral replication but do not eradicate the virus. HIV integrates into host DNA, requiring lifelong therapy. This understanding is accurate, requiring no further review from the PN.

Choice B reason: Antiretrovirals reduce AIDS-related complications by suppressing viral load, preserving immune function, and preventing opportunistic infections. This statement is correct, reflecting the drugs’ role in maintaining CD4 counts and immune health, so no additional instruction is needed.

Choice C reason: Antiretrovirals can reduce viral load to undetectable levels, preventing disease progression and transmission risk. This is accurate, as effective therapy lowers plasma HIV RNA, aligning with treatment goals. The statement requires no further review, as it reflects correct understanding.

Choice D reason: Claiming antiretrovirals prevent transmission is inaccurate, as they reduce but do not eliminate transmission risk. Undetectable viral loads lower risk significantly, but transmission is still possible, especially with inconsistent adherence. This misstatement requires review to clarify transmission risks.