A client with multiple sclerosis starts a new prescription, baclofen, to control muscle spasticity. Three days later, the client calls the clinic nurse and reports feeling fatigued and dizzy. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

Choice A reason: Increased anxiety and nervousness have been reported by some people taking feverfew, but this is not a common or serious side effect. It may be related to individual sensitivity or dosage.

Choice B reason: Feverfew may interact with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which are commonly used for pain relief. Feverfew and these drugs can both inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding. This information is most important for the nurse to include in a teaching plan for this client, especially if they are taking any of these medications or have a history of bleeding disorders.

Choice C reason: Those with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew, because they may have a cross-reactivity and experience an allergic reaction to feverfew. This information is important for the nurse to include in a teaching plan for this client, but it is not as critical as choice B.

Choice D reason: Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur when taking feverfew, but these are usually mild and transient side effects that do not require medical attention. They may be reduced by taking feverfew with food or water.

Choice A reason: Increasing intake of fluids and high protein foods is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who is taking baclofen, which is a medication that relaxes skeletal muscles and reduces spasticity. Fluids and high protein foods do not affect the action or side effects of baclofen.

Choice B reason: Stopping taking the medication immediately is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who is taking baclofen, which is a medication that should be tapered off gradually under medical supervision. Abrupt withdrawal of baclofen can cause serious complications, such as seizures, hallucinations, and increased spasticity.

Choice C reason: Obtaining transportation to the emergency department is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who is taking baclofen, which is a medication that can cause mild and transient side effects, such as fatigue and dizziness. These side effects are not life-threatening and usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

Choice D reason: Avoiding hazardous activities until symptoms subside is an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who is taking baclofen, which is a medication that can impair the ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness and coordination. The client should be advised to exercise caution and avoid activities that could result in injury until they are no longer experiencing fatigue and dizziness.