A client with multiple sclerosis who is taking baclofen demonstrates understanding of the medication when the client says they will watch for which symptom?

A client with multiple sclerosis who is taking baclofen demonstrates understanding of the medication when the client says they will watch for which symptom?

• A. Urinary retention
• B. Urinary incontinence
• C. Drowsiness
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Baclofen reduces spasticity by acting on GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord, which can also relax smooth muscle such as the bladder detrusor. This relaxation can blunt bladder contractions and lead to urinary retention, especially in someone who may already have neurogenic bladder from multiple sclerosis. So watching for difficulty starting or completing urination or a feeling of incomplete emptying is the key safety sign to monitor. Drowsiness and nausea are common side effects of baclofen, but they don’t indicate a safety issue as directly as retention does in this context. Urinary incontinence is not the expected effect of this drug’s action.

Baclofen reduces spasticity by acting on GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord, which can also relax smooth muscle such as the bladder detrusor. This relaxation can blunt bladder contractions and lead to urinary retention, especially in someone who may already have neurogenic bladder from multiple sclerosis. So watching for difficulty starting or completing urination or a feeling of incomplete emptying is the key safety sign to monitor. Drowsiness and nausea are common side effects of baclofen, but they don’t indicate a safety issue as directly as retention does in this context. Urinary incontinence is not the expected effect of this drug’s action.