The nurse is administering muscle relaxant baclofen by mouth (PO) to a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement?
Advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking.
Evaluate muscle strength every 4 hours.
Monitor intake and output every 8 hours.
Ensure the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension. These side effects can increase the risk of falls and injuries for the client. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking, and to use assistive devices if needed.
Choice B reason: Evaluating muscle strength every 4 hours is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement, as baclofen does not affect muscle strength directly. It may reduce muscle spasticity and stiffness, but it does not improve muscle function or coordination.
Choice C reason: Monitoring intake and output every 8 hours is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement, as baclofen does not have a significant effect on fluid balance or renal function. However, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of urinary retention, which is a rare but possible adverse effect of baclofen.
Choice D reason: Ensuring the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement, as baclofen can be used in combination with other antispasmodics under medical supervision. However, the nurse should educate the client about the potential drug interactions and contraindications of baclofen, and to consult the prescriber before taking any new medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It is metabolized by the liver and does not have a significant effect on the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, and dependence.
Choice B reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. It is eliminated by the kidneys and can cause toxicity if the renal function is impaired. The nurse should monitor the client's serum digoxin level, heart rate, and rhythm, and signs of toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion.
Choice C reason: Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that is used to treat peptic ulcer disease. It forms a protective barrier over the ulcer and does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. It does not affect the kidneys and has few side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's symptoms and advise them to take the medication on an empty stomach.
Choice D reason: Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. It is nephrotoxic and can cause AKI, especially in high doses or prolonged use. The nurse should monitor the client's serum vancomycin level, renal function tests, urine output, and signs of AKI, such as oliguria, edema, and electrolyte imbalances.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is b. Liver function laboratory results.
Choice A reason:
Weight change in the last month can be an important factor to consider for a patient's overall health and may be relevant in the context of depression, as significant weight changes can be a symptom of this condition. However, it is not the most critical piece of information before prescribing duloxetine. Duloxetine is not primarily metabolized by the kidneys, and while weight can affect dosing and efficacy, it is not the most crucial factor to consider before starting treatment.
Choice B reason:
Liver function laboratory results are crucial to obtain before prescribing duloxetine because duloxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver. The prescribing information for duloxetine warns of the potential for hepatotoxicity, and hepatic failure has been reported in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the patient's liver function is normal before initiating therapy with duloxetine, as impaired liver function could lead to increased levels of the medication in the body and a higher risk of side effects.
Choice C reason:
Recent use of other antidepressants is important to consider avoiding drug interactions, particularly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can lead to serious, life-threatening side effects if taken together with duloxetine. While this information is important, it is not as critical as liver function, because the primary concern with other antidepressants is the timing of medication changes rather than an absolute contraindication.
Choice D reason:
A family history of mental illness can provide valuable information for understanding a patient's background and potential genetic predispositions to certain conditions. However, this information does not directly impact the safety and initial prescribing of duloxetine. It may be more relevant for long-term treatment considerations and prognosis rather than immediate prescription safety.
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