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
Phyto menadione injectable, also known as vitamin K1, is commonly given to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), a bleeding disorder that can occur due to vitamin K deficiency in the first few days of life. Vitamin K is important for the production of clotting factors in the liver, and newborns are at risk of vitamin K deficiency because it does not cross the placenta well and their intestinal flora is not yet established. The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of administering Phyto menadione injectable to newborns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
To help increase an older adult's magnesium level following a hysterectomy, the practical nurse (PN) should suggest that the client increase her intake of protein in fish. Fish is a good source of magnesium, which is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions. Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods such as fish can help raise the client's magnesium level and improve her overall health. The other foods listed may also provide some nutritional benefits, but fish is the best choice for increasing magnesium intake in this situation.
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