Muscle Relaxants

Question 1

What is the therapeutic outcome for muscle relaxants?

Answer 1

relief of muscle spasms (injury) or spasticity (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis)

this will relieve pain and rigidity and increase ability to perform ADLs

Question 2

What are the two different types of muscle relaxants?

Answer 2

Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants

Direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxants (used for spasticity, acts peripherally)

Question 3

What are some nursing considerations/adverse effects for muscle relaxants?

Answer 3

CNS depression (both)

Hepatotoxicity (both) - monitor liver function, look for symptoms (abdominal pain, jaundice, anorexia, n/v)

muscle weakness (dantrolene)

Physical dependency (centrally-acting) - dont discontinue abruptly (withdrawal symptoms)

GI (baclofen): nausea, constipation, urinary retention

Question 4

What are some patient teaching points for muscle relaxants?

Answer 4

dependency issues with centrally acting - dont stop abruptly (withdrawal symptoms), taper dose slowly

Avoid other CNS depressants like alcohol

keep lab appointments (hepatotoxicity)

report signs of liver dysfunction

avoid driving and other hazardous activities

report any urinary retention (baclofen)

Question 5

What do all direct acting skeletal muscle relaxants affects?

Answer 5

spasticity

Question 6

What does baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, and diazepam do in regards to spasms or spasticity?

Answer 6

baclofen - spasticity

cyclobenzaprine - spasms

diazepam - spasms