Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
chronic progressive autoimmune disease
characterized by demyelination and axonal nerve damage
What is the common age range that MS affects?
20-40
How is MS transmitted?
genetics
What are the 3 biggest symptoms of MS?
numbness and tingling
walking difficulty
vision problems
What kinds of things do you ask about when taking a history for MS diagnoses?
ask about mobility and sensory perception
progression of symptoms
ask about triggers that aggravate the symptoms
personality changes
What are some things that can aggravate MS symptoms?
fatigue
stress
overexertion
extreme temperatures
hot shower/bath
what assessments should be made for MS?
mental status changes
cognition
bowl and bladder
sexual dysfunction
fatigue level
what are some other s/s of MS?
muscle spasticity
fatigue
nystagmus
pain
tremors
Dysarthria
bowl/bladder dysfunction
Dysarthria
difficulty speaking
dysmetria
inability to direct or limit movement
hypoalgesia
decreased sensitivity to pain
diplopia
double vison
scotomas
changes in peripheral vision
tinnitus
ringing in the ears
What are the priorities when treating MS?
managing impaired immunity
improving mobility
managing decreased visual acuity and cognition
what are some nursing interventions for MS?
teach pts to avoid large crowds and wash hands
administer baclofen
ROM
asses patient’s home before discharge
monitor for dysphagia and dysarthria
what is Glatiramer?
a synthetic protein that is similar to myelin based protein
subcutaneous injection
what is the patient education for glatiramer?
teach pt to rotate injection sites
avoid crowds and people with infection bc this drug causes bone marrow suppression
What can help with diplopia?
eye path that is alternated
scanning techniques
corrective lenses
What is the patient teaching when it comes to MS and energy conservation?
take frequent breaks
learn what triggers or exacerbates symptoms
True or false: MS has periods of remission.
True
What complimentary and integrative health therapies can help with MS?
Reflexology
Massage
Yoga
Relaxation and meditation
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
What interprofessional people would you involve in PTs with MS?
PT
OT
Social worker
Psych
What are relevant labs/diagnostics that help in diagnosing MS?
Lumbar puncture
elevated WBC and protein in CSF
MRI w/ contrast (presence of plaque)
what are the two positions a patient can be in for an LP?
lying position (fetal)
sitting with arms resting on bedside table
What are the nursing interventions for impaired cognition?
use a single-date calendar
encourage patients to use written lists or recorded messages
keep frequently used items in familiar places
