The nurse is administering the muscle relaxant baclofen PO to a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Evaluate muscle strength every 4 hours.
Advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking.
Ensure the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics.
Monitor intake and output every 8 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Evaluate muscle strength every 4 hours: While assessing muscle strength is important in clients with multiple sclerosis, it does not need to be done this frequently unless the client is unstable. Baclofen may cause weakness, but routine assessments every 4 hours are excessive for stable patients.
B. Advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking: Baclofen can cause dizziness, sedation, decreased muscle tone and orthostatic hypotension, particularly in the early stages of treatment. Educating the client to change positions carefully helps reduce the risk of falls and injury.
C. Ensure the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics: Baclofen should not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations or seizures. Combining different antispasmodic medications can increase the risk of adverse effects such as excessive sedation or muscle weakness. Medication changes therefore should only be made under the supervision of the healthcare provider.
D. Monitor intake and output every 8 hours: Baclofen does not typically affect renal function or fluid balance significantly. Monitoring intake and output is not a standard intervention specific to baclofen administration unless there is another underlying condition.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Monitor urinary output: While monitoring output is important, it does not provide immediate diagnostic information regarding the cause of the client’s thirst. It is a supportive action but not the most efficient first step to investigate potential hyperglycemia.
B. Notify the healthcare provider (HCP): Notifying the HCP is appropriate if there are abnormal findings or the client’s condition worsens. However, the nurse should gather objective data—such as a blood glucose reading—before contacting the provider.
C. Prepare to give insulin: Insulin should not be administered without confirmation of elevated blood glucose. Giving insulin without verifying hyperglycemia could lead to serious complications, including hypoglycemia.
D. Obtain fingerstick blood glucose: Methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, can raise blood glucose levels, and excessive thirst is a classic symptom of hyperglycemia. Checking the client’s blood glucose is the most appropriate first action to determine if elevated glucose is causing the symptom.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Review most recent coagulation laboratory values: Checking coagulation studies like INR, PT, or aPTT is essential to assess the client's bleeding risk and determine if the anticoagulant effect is too strong, helping guide further medical management.
B. Report findings to healthcare provider (HCP): Bleeding gums and easy bruising are signs of excessive anticoagulation, which could become life-threatening. Promptly notifying the HCP allows for immediate evaluation and possible adjustment of the medication.
C. Complete a medication variance report: A medication variance report is appropriate when there is an error in prescribing, dispensing, or administering. Since this appears to be a medication side effect rather than an error, a variance report is not needed at this stage.
D. Obtain a soft bristle toothbrush for client: Using a soft toothbrush minimizes trauma to the gums, helping to reduce the risk of further bleeding while still maintaining oral hygiene, an important supportive intervention for clients on anticoagulants.
E. Provide a PRN nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) for gum discomfort: NSAIDs increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in clients taking anticoagulants. Treating discomfort with NSAIDs could worsen bleeding complications rather than relieve them safely.
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