A client with muscle spasticity receives a prescription for baclofen. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?
Use stool softener as needed.
Avoid ingestion of alcohol.
Discontinue when spasms cease.
Take medication with meals.
The Correct Answer is C
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medication used to treat muscle spasticity, which is a condition that causes muscles to become stiff and rigid. It works by reducing the activity of nerves in the brain and spinal cord that cause muscle spasms.
Option a, using stool softener as needed, is appropriate because baclofen can cause constipation as a side effect.
Option b, avoiding ingestion of alcohol, is also appropriate because alcohol can increase the sedative effects of baclofen and cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Option d, taking medication with meals, is recommended because it can help reduce stomach upset and nausea that may occur as a side effect of the medication.
Option c, discontinuing the medication when spasms cease, is incorrect because muscle spasticity is a chronic condition, and baclofen is used to manage symptoms over a prolonged period. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and exacerbate the spasticity. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client to take the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider and not discontinue it without medical advice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client’s symptoms of being short of breath and difficult to arouse may indicate an overdose of morphine. The nurse should immediately remove the patches to prevent further absorption of the drug. After removing the patches, the nurse should continue to assess the client’s condition and take further actions as needed, such as administering a narcotic reversal drug or providing oxygen.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Intermittent claudication is a condition in which there is pain in the legs due to reduced blood flow. Pentoxifylline is a medication that can improve blood flow by reducing the viscosity of the blood. Therefore, to determine the effectiveness of the medication in managing intermittent claudication, the nurse should monitor the client's pain level using a numeric pain scale. This will help to assess if the medication provides pain relief and improving the client's ability to walk without discomfort.
Options a, b, and c are not relevant to the assessment of the effectiveness of pentoxifylline in managing intermittent claudication.
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