Sharon, a 58-year-old female client, presents to the hospital with an exacerbation of multiple
sclerosis (MS) symptoms. She was diagnosed with the disease 4 years ago after noticing some
unusual muscle movement and weakness. She continues to work full-time so that she can
maintain her health insurance coverage for herself and her two sons in college. In performing the
health admission assessment, the nurse identifies several abnormalities. Which clinical
symptoms are associated with MS? Select all that apply.
A. Migraine headache
B. Bladder infection
C. Hypertension
D. Numbness in legs
E. Increased thirst correct answers B. Bladder infection
D. Numbness in legs
Sharon has been taking beta interferon to manage the disease. What is the purpose of this
medication?
A. Modifies the course of disease progression
B. Provides pain relief
C. Supports immune function to help normalize bowel function
D. Helps normalize glucose levels correct answers A. Modifies the course of disease progression
CORRECT. Beta interferon is used to slow the progression of disease. It does not provide pain
relief or normalize glucose levels. This medication has no direct effect on bowel function.
Sharon is now experiencing increased muscle spasticity. Which medication can be added to the
treatment plan to help alleviate this clinical symptom?
, A. Corticosteroids
B. Bronchodilators
C. Muscle relaxants
D. Pain analgesics correct answers Muscle relaxants
CORRECT. Muscle relaxants are typically used to treat muscle spasms for MS clients.
Corticosteroids are used for treatment of inflammatory effects. Bronchodilators are not indicated
in the treatment plan for MS. Pain analgesics provide pain relief but do not alleviate muscle
spasticity.
Sharon is prescribed a corticosteroid while in the hospital. She tells the nurse, "I hate that
medication. It makes me feel like I'm crazy. Why is it needed?" What rationale should the nurse
provide?
A. "It suppresses your adrenal gland so it doesn't have to work as hard."
B. "It decreases the inflammatory and immunologic factors involved in the exacerbation."
C. "It provides an increased glucose level so you won't become hypoglycemic."
D. "We can give you something if you feel crazy." correct answers "It decreases the
inflammatory and immunologic factors involved in the exacerbation.
"CORRECT. Strategies used to treat attacks include corticosteroids and plasma exchange
(plasmapheresis) to decrease the inflammatory and immunologic factors involved in the
exacerbation.
Which finding leads the nurse to believe that additional education on managing the disease is
required for this client?
A. Use of cane assistive device to support ambulation
B. Taking a hot bath at bedtime to relax
C. Working out in a gym once a week with a personal trainer