MS Medications
A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed Avonex (Interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Which of the following side effects should the nurse inform the patient to expect while taking this medication?
a) Increased appetite and weight gain
b) Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches
c) Severe gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea and vomiting
d) Hair loss and skin rashes
b
Flu like symptoms, monitor LFT because they are hepatotoxic, potential for anaphylaxis
A nurse is reviewing diagnostic criteria for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with a nursing student. According to current guidelines, how many lesions must be present on MRI to support the diagnosis of MS?
a) One lesion in the brain or spinal cord
b) At least two lesions in different areas of the central nervous system
c) At least three lesions in the spinal cord only
d) Multiple lesions, but location and number are not specific criteria
b
brain lesions shown with MRI in at least two separate areas of the CNS, evidence that the two areas of damage occurred at two different times, and then rule out all other possible diagnoses.
A patient with MS is experiencing muscle spasticity. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to help manage this symptom?
a) Encourage complete bed rest to reduce muscle strain.
b) Administer prescribed baclofen as ordered and encourage stretching exercises.
c) Apply ice packs to the affected areas to relieve spasticity.
d) Advise the patient to limit fluid intake to reduce muscle spasms.
b) Administer prescribed baclofen as ordered and encourage stretching exercises.
A nurse is educating a patient with MS about common symptoms to monitor for. Which of the following should the nurse include as a potential symptom of MS?
a) Increased appetite and weight gain
b) Frequent headaches and sinus pressure
c) Changes in bowel and bladder function
d) Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain
c) Changes in bowel and bladder function
True or False:
Children with MS often experience seizures as symptoms
True. This is more unusual in MS in adults
A nurse is educating a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) about the medication Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate). Which of the following statements accurately describes how Copaxone works in the management of MS?
a) "Copaxone directly repairs damaged nerve fibers to restore function."
b) "It mimics myelin basic protein, helping to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation."
c) "Copaxone enhances the production of neurotransmitters to improve cognitive function."
d) "It primarily acts as a pain reliever for the symptoms of MS."
b
Considerations: Monitor LFT, avoid live vaccine
A nurse is preparing a patient for a lumbar puncture to assess for possible Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Which of the following findings in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would be consistent with a diagnosis of MS?
a) Elevated white blood cell count with an increased number of neutrophils
b) Presence of oligoclonal bands and increased immunoglobulin G (IgG) index
c) Low protein concentration and normal cell count
d) High glucose concentration with a normal white blood cell count
bi
mmunoglobins (IG), oligoclonal bands, (both indicating an immune response occurring within the CNS w/ increased antibodies) and myelin breakdown products
The nurse is developing a care plan for a patient with MS who experiences frequent fatigue. Which intervention is the most appropriate to include?
a) Encourage vigorous physical activity to improve energy levels.
b) Advise the patient to take rest periods throughout the day and prioritize tasks.
c) Recommend consuming high doses of caffeine to combat fatigue.
d) Instruct the patient to increase dietary protein to reduce fatigue.
b) Advise the patient to take rest periods throughout the day and prioritize tasks.
A patient with MS is experiencing sexual dysfunction. Which of the following interventions should the nurse consider when discussing this issue with the patient?
a) Encourage the patient to ignore this symptom as it is a normal part of aging.
b) Provide information about medications and treatments that can improve sexual function.
c) Suggest that the patient avoid discussing sexual issues with their partner.
d) Recommend using alcohol to enhance sexual performance.
b) Provide information about medications and treatments that can improve sexual function.
True or false: Children have more mental status change than adults in MS
True
A nurse is discussing the medication Fumaric acid (Tecfidera) with a patient diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Which statement best describes the therapeutic effects of Fumaric acid in the management of MS?
a) "Fumaric acid helps repair myelin damage by promoting nerve regeneration."
b) "It enhances the immune response to reduce the frequency of MS attacks."
c) "Fumaric acid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce relapses and slow disease progression."
d) "This medication primarily alleviates symptoms of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients."
c
Side effects: flushing, n/v/d, indigestion
A patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is newly diagnosed and asks the nurse how the disease will affect daily life. Which statement by the nurse is the most appropriate?
a) "MS progresses rapidly, and you will likely be wheelchair-bound within a few years."
b) "MS can have periods of relapse and remission, and many people live active lives between flare-ups."
c) "MS affects everyone the same way, and you should expect severe disability soon."
d) "MS is curable with proper treatment, so you won't have to worry about long-term effects."
b) "MS can have periods of relapse and remission, and many people live active lives between flare-ups."
The nurse is working with a patient who has MS and is experiencing ataxia and unsteady gait. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize
a) Place the patient on bed rest to prevent falls.
b) Educate the patient on the proper use of assistive devices such as a cane or walker.
c) Limit physical activity to avoid triggering ataxia.
d) Encourage the patient to avoid walking without assistance from family members. rse prioritize?
b) Educate the patient on the proper use of assistive devices such as a cane or walker.
A patient with MS reports fatigue that worsens in the afternoon and after periods of activity. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize to manage the patient's fatigue?
a) Recommend a high-protein diet to improve energy levels
b) Teach the patient to plan activities in the morning when energy is higher
c) Advise the patient to rest only when feeling extremely tired
d) Suggest that the patient take a stimulant to combat fatigue
b) Teach the patient to plan activities in the morning when energy is higher
A nurse is teaching a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) about the immunosuppressant drug Mitoxantrone. Which of the following statements accurately describes the action of Mitoxantrone in the management of MS?
a) "Mitoxantrone enhances the production of myelin to repair nerve damage."
b) "It decreases the frequency of MS relapses by suppressing the immune system."
c) "Mitoxantrone improves cognitive function and reduces fatigue in MS patients."
d) "It is primarily used for pain management associated with MS.
b
Side effects: n/v/d, ha, fatigue, hair loss, change in urine color, stomach pain
A patient with MS is prescribed glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching about this medication?
a) "This medication will cure my MS if I take it regularly."
b) "I should rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation."
c) "I might experience mild pain or redness at the injection site."
d) "This medication helps reduce the frequency of relapses."
a) "This medication will cure my MS if I take it regularly."
True or False: Physical therapy and occupational therapy are essential interventions for patients with MS to help maintain mobility and independence.
A patient with MS is experiencing numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Which of the following symptoms would be most concerning and require immediate action by the nurse?
a) Weakness in one arm
b) Tingling that worsens at night
c) Sudden inability to move one side of the body
d) Mild pain with movement
c) Sudden inability to move one side of the body
Older adults have more severe symptoms of MS : TRUE OR FALSE
A nurse is educating a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) about the role of corticosteroids in their treatment plan. Which statement best describes how corticosteroids help manage MS symptoms?
a) "Corticosteroids help to strengthen the immune system to prevent further attacks."
b) "They reduce inflammation and swelling in the central nervous system during a relapse."
c) "Corticosteroids can cure MS by reversing damage caused by the disease."
d) "They are primarily used to alleviate fatigue and improve energy levels in MS patients."
The nurse is teaching a patient with MS about preventing complications related to immobility. Which of the following interventions should be emphasized?
a) "Drink plenty of fluids and limit movement to avoid accidents."
b) "Perform range-of-motion exercises daily to prevent muscle stiffness."
c) "Limit fluid intake to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence."
d) "Use bed rest whenever you feel weak to prevent falls."
b) "Perform range-of-motion exercises daily to prevent muscle stiffness."
True or False: It is important to teach patients with MS to avoid extreme heat, as this can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness.
A patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) reports experiencing episodes of blurred vision. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse recognize as commonly associated with this visual disturbance?
a) Double vision (diplopia) and eye pain
b) Sudden loss of vision and eye discharge
c) Tunnel vision and light sensitivity
d) Watery eyes and excessive blinking
a) Double vision (diplopia) and eye pain
True - 27 percent