Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Nursing Questions

A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which statement indicates understanding of the disorder?

• This condition is caused by viral infection in childhood.

• It is an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath.

• It only affects muscles in the lower extremities.

• It is a temporary disease with complete recovery.

• It affects only men over the age of 60.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that MS is an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath, leading to neurological symptoms. The other options are incorrect as they misrepresent the nature and effects of MS.

Which factors may precipitate exacerbations of MS?

• Infection

• Emotional stress

• Excessive fatigue

• High-protein diet

• Pregnancy

Answer explanation

Exacerbations of MS can be triggered by factors like infection, emotional stress, excessive fatigue, and pregnancy, which can all impact the immune system and overall health.

A client reports diplopia, numbness, and tingling in the legs. The nurse suspects MS. Which manifestation is the most common initial symptom?

• Dysphagia

• Blindness in one eye

• Blurred or double vision

• Tremors in the hands

• Severe constipation

Answer explanation

In multiple sclerosis (MS), blurred or double vision is a common initial symptom due to optic nerve involvement. This symptom often precedes other manifestations like dysphagia or tremors.

Which are cerebellar manifestations of MS?

• Ataxia

• Dysarthria

• Nystagmus

• Constipation

• Lhermitte’s sign

Answer explanation

Cerebellar manifestations of MS include ataxia (loss of coordination), dysarthria (speech difficulties), and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). Constipation and Lhermitte’s sign are not cerebellar symptoms.

Which complication places the client with MS at highest immediate risk?

• Dysphagia with cyanosis during meals

• Constipation

• Blurred vision

• Spastic bladder

• Word-finding difficulty

Answer explanation

Dysphagia with cyanosis during meals poses the highest immediate risk as it can lead to choking and respiratory distress, which are life-threatening. Other options, while concerning, do not present an immediate danger to the client's safety.

The nurse prepares suction equipment at the bedside for an MS client. This intervention is most appropriate for which complication?

• Spastic bladder

• Constipation

• Dysphagia

• Diplopia

Answer explanation

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common complication in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Suction equipment is prepared to manage potential aspiration risks associated with dysphagia.

Which diagnostic finding supports a diagnosis of MS?

• Positive Tensilon test

• Elevated serum potassium

• Presence of plaques on MRI

• Decreased creatinine

• CSF with decreased IgG

Answer explanation

The presence of plaques on MRI is a key diagnostic finding in multiple sclerosis (MS), indicating demyelination. Other options do not specifically support an MS diagnosis.

A client with acute exacerbation of MS is prescribed corticosteroids. What is the purpose of this therapy?

• Cure the disease

• Suppress the immune system & decrease inflammation

• Promote remyelination

• Increase dopamine

• Enhance nerve conduction

Answer explanation

Corticosteroids are used in MS exacerbations to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation, helping to manage symptoms and reduce the severity of the attack, rather than curing the disease.

Which medication is prescribed to slow progression and prevent relapses in MS?

• Phenytoin

• Interferon beta-1a

• Diazepam

• Prednisone

• Dalfampridine

Answer explanation

Interferon beta-1a is specifically prescribed for multiple sclerosis (MS) to slow disease progression and reduce the frequency of relapses, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Which supportive therapy is most appropriate for an MS client with muscle spasms?

• Phenytoin

• Diazepam

• Pyridostigmine

• Dalfampridine

• Prednisone

Answer explanation

Diazepam is a muscle relaxant that effectively alleviates muscle spasms, making it the most appropriate supportive therapy for an MS client experiencing this symptom.