Question

A client with multiple sclerosis has been prescribed the drug baclofen (Lioresal). What is the action of this drug? A. Reduces spasticity B. Skeletal muscle relaxation C. Immune suppression D. Prevents viral infections

Short answer

Answer: The primary action of Baclofen (Lioresal) is skeletal muscle relaxation, which helps alleviate muscle symptoms like stiffness and spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the condition: Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. The primary symptoms of MS include muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and muscle spasms.

The drug Baclofen (Lioresal)

Baclofen is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called muscle relaxants. It is used to treat muscle symptoms caused by diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Evaluate each option

Now let's analyze each option to determine the correct action of baclofen: A. Reduces spasticity: Spasticity is a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted, leading to muscle stiffness and tightness. As a muscle relaxant, baclofen can help reduce spasticity. B. Skeletal muscle relaxation: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant, which means its primary action is to relax skeletal muscles. This helps alleviate symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms. C. Immune suppression: Baclofen does not directly act on the immune system; therefore, its role as an immune suppressant is incorrect. D. Prevents viral infections: Baclofen is not an antiviral medication, and its action is not related to the prevention of viral infections.

Determine the correct answer

After evaluating each option, we can conclude that the correct answer is B. Skeletal muscle relaxation. Baclofen (Lioresal) acts as a muscle relaxant, helping to alleviate muscle symptoms like stiffness and spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis.