A client on the mental health unit has been scowling and rapidly pacing up and down the hall for several minutes. Which behaviors are most important for the practical nurse (PN) to monitor?

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.

During pregnancy, it is important for the client to consume a balanced and nutritious diet that includes adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, clients with nausea and vomiting may have difficulty tolerating certain foods, particularly those that are high in fat or spicy. Cheeseburgers and French fries are typically high in fat and can exacerbate nausea, making them a poor choice for a client with this symptom.

Baked chicken with rice and pasta with steamed vegetables are both healthier options that can provide the client with adequate nutrition.

Baked potato chips and lemonade may be a suitable snack for some clients, but the high salt content of the chips may exacerbate fluid retention, which can be a concern for clients with pyelonephritis. The PN should encourage the client to choose healthier options and avoid foods that are likely to exacerbate her symptoms.