A client presents with an acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer to control the symptoms by reducing the edema and inflammation at the site of demyelination?

A client presents with an acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer to control the symptoms by reducing the edema and inflammation at the site of demyelination?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Antiinflammatory (e.g. steroid: -sone)
• C. Anticoagulant
• D. Anticonvulsant

Answer: (B)

When an acute MS flare occurs, inflammation and edema around demyelinated areas drive the new neurologic deficits. The best way to control these acute symptoms is to use a high-dose anti-inflammatory steroid. Corticosteroids, given intravenously in high doses, rapidly reduce inflammation and edema at the sites of demyelination and help shorten and lessen the severity of the relapse. They don’t cure MS or prevent future relapses, but they are effective for speeding recovery from an exacerbation. Other options don’t address the underlying inflammatory process in the CNS during a flare. An antibiotic targets infection, an anticoagulant is for blood clot prevention or treatment, and an anticonvulsant helps with seizures or certain neuropathic pains, not the acute inflammatory edema at demyelinating lesions. A common regimen is IV methylprednisolone for several days, sometimes followed by a taper of oral steroids, with attention to potential side effects like hyperglycemia, mood changes, and fluid retention.

When an acute MS flare occurs, inflammation and edema around demyelinated areas drive the new neurologic deficits. The best way to control these acute symptoms is to use a high-dose anti-inflammatory steroid. Corticosteroids, given intravenously in high doses, rapidly reduce inflammation and edema at the sites of demyelination and help shorten and lessen the severity of the relapse. They don’t cure MS or prevent future relapses, but they are effective for speeding recovery from an exacerbation.

Other options don’t address the underlying inflammatory process in the CNS during a flare. An antibiotic targets infection, an anticoagulant is for blood clot prevention or treatment, and an anticonvulsant helps with seizures or certain neuropathic pains, not the acute inflammatory edema at demyelinating lesions.

A common regimen is IV methylprednisolone for several days, sometimes followed by a taper of oral steroids, with attention to potential side effects like hyperglycemia, mood changes, and fluid retention.