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?
A) "I may need to take additional drugs at times of acute relapse."
B) "I will need to take medication indefinitely."
C) "If medication is begun early, permanent remission can be achieved."
D) "Some symptoms may need to be managed with symptom-specific drugs."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Drug therapy can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, maintain quality of life, and prevent permanent damage to axons, but it does not produce permanent remission. Patients may need to take additional drugs during times of relapse and will need to take medications indefinitely. Some symptoms may be managed with symptom-specific drugs.

A Patient Has Been Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)