The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) for lower back pain following a work injury

Question

The client has been quite drowsy, and dozes off and on throughout the day while taking the Flexeril. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate for this client?
1. Notifying the health care provider that the client is experiencing extreme drowsiness
2. Providing the client caffeinated beverages to help the client stay awake
3. Holding the cyclobenzaprine until the client can be further evaluated
4. Continuing the medication as ordered

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4

Rationale 1: Skeletal muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril, act on the CNS and produce sedation, which helps the client with muscle spasms to sleep.

Rationale 2: It is the sedative effect of the centrally acting muscle relaxants that helps the muscle spasms.
Rationale 3: There is no need to hold the medication, as the sedative effect is expected.
Rationale 4: Continue the medication as ordered. Centrally acting muscle relaxants work through their sedating effects.

Global Rationale: Continue the medication as ordered. Centrally acting muscle relaxants work through their sedating effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril, act on the CNS and produce sedation, which helps the client with muscle spasms to sleep. It is the sedative effect of the centrally acting muscle relaxants that helps the muscle spasms. There is no need to hold the medication, as the sedative effect is expected.