Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

How can a patient with multiple sclerosis best reduce fatigue?

1. Take a hot bath

2. Rest in an air-conditioned room

3. Avoid naps during the day

4. Increase the dose of muscle relaxants

The correct answer is: Rest in an air-conditioned room

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis, and managing it effectively can greatly improve their quality of life. One of the effective strategies to reduce fatigue is to rest in an air-conditioned room. Heat can exacerbate symptoms in many patients with multiple sclerosis, leading to increased fatigue and discomfort. An air-conditioned environment helps keep the patient's body temperature in a more comfortable range, thus potentially alleviating fatigue associated with heat sensitivity. Cooling the body prevents the worsening of symptoms that can occur during hot weather or excessive heat exposure, allowing the patient to feel more energized and capable of engaging in daily activities. While other strategies may seem beneficial, they do not effectively address the specific needs related to fatigue management in multiple sclerosis. For example, taking a hot bath can lead to relaxation, but it may also raise body temperature, exacerbating fatigue. Avoiding naps can potentially lead to increased overall fatigue since patients with multiple sclerosis may benefit from short rest periods to recharge throughout the day. Likewise, increasing the dose of muscle relaxants isn't a standard approach to managing fatigue and might introduce other side effects without specifically targeting fatigue reduction. Therefore, resting in an air-conditioned room is a practical and specific method to help manage fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis.