A child with cerebral palsy (CP) is taking baclofen, a relaxant. Which assessment finding indicates to the practical nurse (PN) that the drug is effective?
Increased appetite.
Sufficient urinary output.
Fewer temper outbursts.
Decreased muscular spasticity.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Increased appetite is not a direct therapeutic indicator of baclofen efficacy. While improved comfort from muscle relaxation might indirectly support better intake, the drug does not possess orexigenic properties. Nutritional status is monitored in cerebral palsy patients, but it remains unrelated to the specific pharmacological mechanism of this skeletal muscle relaxant.
B. Sufficient urinary output is a vital assessment of general physiological and renal function, yet it is not the target of baclofen therapy. Baclofen acts primarily on the central nervous system to inhibit monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level. Urinary monitoring ensures adequate drug clearance, but output levels do not reflect the medication's clinical success.
C. Fewer temper outbursts might suggest a reduction in physical discomfort, but baclofen is not an antianxiety or antipsychotic medication. Cerebral palsy may involve behavioral challenges, but the primary goal of this therapy is physical rather than psychological. Behavioral changes are subjective and do not provide a scientific measure of the drug’s specific muscle-relaxing influence.
D. Decreased muscular spasticity is the primary therapeutic goal for a client with cerebral palsy receiving baclofen. This medication functions as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue, effectively reducing the transmission of excitatory signals that cause hypertonia and involuntary muscle contractions. A reduction in resistance to passive movement confirms that the drug is achieving its intended neuromuscular effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
During gastrostomy (GT) feedings for a newborn infant with a tracheo-esophageal repair, the practical nurse (PN) should offer a pacifier to satiate the sucking reflex associated with feedings. Sucking is a natural reflex for infants and providing a pacifier during feedings can help satisfy this need and promote comfort. The other interventions listed may also be important to implement during GT feedings, but offering a pacifier to satiate the sucking reflex is the most appropriate intervention in this situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The PN should provide the information that it may be helpful to **try withholding fluids after supper and before bedtime**. Bedwetting is common and often runs in families. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it³. It’s not unusual for kids to wet the bed at night. Known formally as pediatric enuresis, uncontrolled nighttime urination affects as many as 5% to 10% of 7-year-olds in the United States.
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