Question

a nurse is teaching a client about cyclobenzaprine. which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the teaching is effective?

\i will have increased saliva production.\
\i will continue taking the medication until the rash disappears.\
\i will taper off the medication before discontinuing it.\
\i will report any urinary incontinence.\

Explanation:

Analyze cyclobenzaprine mechanism and side effects

Using the Anticholinergic Adverse Effects knowledge point

• Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants.
• It exhibits strong anticholinergic activity, which commonly causes dry mouth (xerostomia) rather than increased saliva, and urinary retention rather than urinary incontinence.

Evaluate the client statements

• "I will have increased saliva production.": Incorrect, as anticholinergic effects cause dry mouth.
• "I will continue taking the medication until the rash disappears.": Incorrect, cyclobenzaprine is not used to treat rashes, and a rash could indicate an allergic reaction requiring discontinuation.
• "I will taper off the medication before discontinuing it.": Correct, abrupt withdrawal of cyclobenzaprine after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms (such as headache, nausea, and malaise), so it should be tapered.
• "I will report any urinary incontinence.": Incorrect, anticholinergic effects cause urinary retention, not incontinence.

Select the correct option

• The statement indicating effective teaching is "I will taper off the medication before discontinuing it."

Answer:

• (A) "I will have increased saliva production."
• (B) "I will continue taking the medication until the rash disappears."
• (C) "I will taper off the medication before discontinuing it." (Correct answer)
• (D) "I will report any urinary incontinence."