Nursing Care Plans

The nursing care plan goals for patients with multiple sclerosis is to shorten exacerbations and relieve
neurologic deficits so that the patient can resume a normal lifestyle.

Assessment

Fatigue and weakness

Ataxia and vertigo

Tremors and spasticity of the lower extremities

Parasthesias

Blurred vision and diplopia

Nystagmus

Dysphasia

Decreased perception to pain, touch, and temperature

Bladder and bowel disturbances, including urgency, frequency, retention, and incontinence

Abnormal reflexes, including hyperreflexia, absent reflexes, and a positive Babinski’s reflex

Emotional changes such as apathy, euphoria, irritability, and depression

Memory changes and confusion

Primary Nursing Diagnosis

Impaired physical mobility related to fatigue and weakness

Nursing Interventions

Provide bed rest during exacerbation.

Protect the client from injury by providing safety measures.

Place an eye patch on the eye for diplopia.

Monitor for potential complications such as urinary tract infections, calculuses, decubitus ulcers,
respiratory tract infections, and contractures.

Promote regular elimination by bladder and bowel training.

Encourage independence.

Assist the client to establish a regular exercise and rest program.

Instruct the client to balance moderate activity with rest periods.

Assess the need for and provide assistive devices.

Initiate physical and speech therapy.

Instruct the client to avoid fatigue, stress, infection, overheating, and chilling.

Instruct the client to increase fluid intake and eat a balanced diet, including low-fat, high-fiber foods and
foods high in potassium.

Instruct the client in safety measures related to sensory loss, such as regulating the temperature of bath
water and avoiding heating pads.

Instruct the client in safety measures related to motor loss, such as avoiding the use of scatter rugs and
using assistive devices.

Instruct the client in the self-administration of prescribed medications.

Provide information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.