A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving treatment with methylprednisolone during an acute exacerbation. Which of the following is the expected therapeutic effect of this treatment?
Reduction of inflammation and suppression of the immune responses
Stimulation of nerve regeneration
Improvement in cognitive function
Increase in muscle strength and coordination
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reduction of inflammation and suppression of immune responses. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune responses, which can help manage the acute exacerbations of MS.
B. Stimulation of nerve regeneration. Methylprednisolone does not stimulate nerve regeneration; it focuses on reducing inflammation.
C. Improvement in cognitive function. Cognitive improvement is not a primary goal of methylprednisolone in MS management, though reducing inflammation may indirectly benefit cognition.
D. Increase in muscle strength and coordination. While reducing inflammation can improve symptoms, methylprednisolone itself does not directly increase muscle strength or coordination.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administering mannitol intravenously: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps reduce ICP by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and decreasing cerebral edema, making it a priority intervention.
B. Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate: Controlled hyperventilation may reduce ICP temporarily by lowering CO₂ levels and causing cerebral vasoconstriction. However, it should only be done cautiously under close monitoring, and other ICP management techniques like mannitol administration take priority.
C. Administering a high-dose corticosteroid: Corticosteroids are generally ineffective for reducing ICP in traumatic brain injury and are typically not recommended in this scenario.
D. Performing a lumbar puncture immediately: Lumbar puncture is contraindicated in cases of increased ICP because it may lead to brain herniation due to the sudden release of pressure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis typically causes constant pain, swelling, and redness and does not improve with rest.
B. Restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually at rest, and is not associated with walking.
C. Intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of PAD where muscle pain or cramping occurs during activity and is relieved with rest due to insufficient blood flow.
D. Varicose veins. Varicose veins generally cause aching and swelling rather than pain triggered specifically by walking.