A client newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is receiving education about newly prescribed medications from the nurse. Which of the following will be included in the client teaching?
A.
Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension.
B.
Antispasmodics are used to treat urinary constipation.
C.
Corticosteroids are used to put the disease process into remission.
D.
Immunomodulators are used to prevent relapses.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Immunomodulators are used to prevent relapses.
Explanation:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to demyelination of nerve fibers. This results in various neurological symptoms and potential disability. Treatment for MS often involves a combination of medications aimed at managing symptoms, modifying the course of the disease, and preventing relapses.
Immunomodulators play a crucial role in the management of MS. These medications are designed to modify the immune system’s activity to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. By preventing these attacks, immunomodulators help reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, which are periods of worsening symptoms. Common immunomodulators include interferon-beta (such as Avonex, Rebif) and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). These drugs can slow the progression of the disease and help maintain a better quality of life for individuals with MS.
Here’s a breakdown of why the other options are incorrect:
- A. Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension. While beta blockers are indeed used to manage hypertension and certain other conditions like arrhythmias, they are not specifically used to treat MS. MS management typically involves different classes of medications.
- B. Antispasmodics are used to treat urinary constipation. Antispasmodics are used to treat muscle spasticity, which is a common symptom in MS, but they are not used for urinary constipation. For urinary issues, other medications like anticholinergics may be prescribed to help manage bladder symptoms.
- C. Corticosteroids are used to put the disease process into remission. Corticosteroids are not used to put MS into remission but rather to manage acute relapses by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response. They are effective in short-term management but do not alter the long-term course of the disease.
In summary, immunomodulators are the key medications used to modify the disease course and prevent relapses in MS, making option D the correct choice.