Multiple Sclerosis NCLEX exam (100% correct and graded A+)

Which of the following is a side effect of Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)? A) Hypovolemia B) Tinnitus C) Euphoria D) Respiratory Depression - Answer: C. Corticosteroid side effects include increased risk for infection, delayed wound healing, infection masking, edema, euphoria, insomnia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and peptic ulcer Which of the following symptoms you as the nurse expect to see in the patient with primary progressive multiple sclerosis? (Select All that Apply): A) Unilateral Vision Loss B) Fatigue C) Diarrhea D) Intention tremors E) Paralytic ileus - Answer: A, B and D. The nurse is teaching the client with MS about the use of corticosteroids for treatment. Which of the following statements, if made by the patient indicates correct understanding? A) I should watch for side effects such as euphoria and insomnia while taking this medication B) This medication will need to be administered for at least 2 weeks before I begin to see improvements in my condition C) The corticosteroids will reduce my chances of relapsing in the future D) I could see flu-like symptoms while taking this medication - Answer: A. Some side effects of corticosteroid use include euphoria, mood changes, and insomnia. This medication should only be used for short periods of time (3-5 days) and is often tapered off. This medication is for use in shortening the duration of a relapse, not preventing relapse. Flu-like medications are often seen in Interferon beta-1a or 1b medications (Betaseron, avonex) which are used to for long-term treatment of MS.A patient with multiple sclerosis states "After I started taking my medication, I feel nauseous and feel fatigued. I also am also running a fever". After looking in the patient's chart you note that she is taking Interferon beta 1b (Betaseron). What is the nurses' best response? A) "We are going to stop your medication immediately. This is a sign of an adverse reaction" B) "It would probably be best to admit you to the hospital. Your MS is relapsing and we will need to begin you on a corticosteroid regimen" C) "This is only a side effect of your medication. It will just eventually go away" D) "Taking your medication at bedtime with a Tylenol my help reduce these symptoms" - Answer: D