Exam 23: Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis

A patient has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 10 years and has a history of 3 periods of neurologic dysfunction lasting several weeks separated by long periods of full recovery. In the past 6 months, the patient has had a prolonged period of neurologic dysfunction without remission. The nurse understands that the patient may have which MS subtype?

A patient is about to begin therapy with fingolimod [Gilenya] to treat multiple sclerosis. The nurse learns that the patient has not had chickenpox or the varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine. What will the nurse do?

A patient is being treated with interferon beta-1a [Avonex] for relapsing-remitting MS. The patient calls the clinic to report headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches after administering a dose. What will the nurse recommend?

A patient who has recently begun taking interferon beta reports feeling depressed. Which action by the nurse is correct?

A nurse provides teaching for a 25-year-old patient who will receive mitoxantrone [Novantrone] for worsening relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

A patient has begun taking dimethyl fumarate [Tecfidera] to treat relapsing MS and calls the clinic to report flushing of the skin with itching and burning sensations. What will the nurse recommend to this patient?

Which drugs may be selected by the provider for initial treatment for a patient who is diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS?

Immunomodulator drugs have shown effectiveness for what?

A patient has received an initial dose of glatiramer acetate [Copaxone] for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The nurse notes that the patient appears flushed and anxious and has urticaria. The patient reports palpitations, chest pain, and a feeling of laryngeal constriction. What will the nurse do?

A patient who stopped taking teriflunomide [Aubagio] 1 year prior tells the nurse that she has just found out she is pregnant. Which action by the nurse is correct?

A patient administers interferon beta-1a SQ [Rebif] 22 mcg/0.5 mL 3 times each week. The patient calls the nurse to report unrelieved itching and erythema at the injection site, despite the use of topical hydrocortisone for several weeks. What will the nurse tell this patient to do?

A patient has been diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis for 1 year and reports a recent brief period of being symptom free. The nurse will tell the patient that this indicates what?

A patient has been newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and the nurse provides teaching about the medications for the disease. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?