Question

As the Psych Tech, Michael Byers, prepares to administer medication to his patient that has a diagnosis of CP, he identifies that the prescribed muscle relaxant has a black box warning of hepatoxicity. (Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy).

A) Baclofen
B) Tizanidine
C) Diazepam
D) Dantrolene

Answer 1

In the context of muscle relaxants prescribed for cerebral palsy, Dantrolene is the medication that carries a black box warning for hepatotoxicity. It is important for health professionals to closely monitor liver function during treatment with this potent muscle relaxant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question pertains to the administration of medication to a patient with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). Specifically, Michael Byers, a Psych Tech, must consider the black box warning of hepatotoxicity when administering a muscle relaxant. Of the options provided: Baclofen, Tizanidine, Diazepam, and Dantrolene, the muscle relaxant with a black box warning for hepatotoxicity is Dantrolene. This medication is known for its potent muscle relaxation effects and risk of liver damage, which requires close monitoring of liver enzymes during treatment.

Benzodiazepines, such as Diazepam, are known for their sedative and anxiolytic effects, and while they can lead to dependence and withdrawal if discontinued abruptly, they do not carry a black box warning for hepatotoxicity as Dantrolene does. Considering the serious warning, it is critical to follow proper monitoring protocols when Dantrolene is prescribed to treat muscle spasticity in CP patients.