Answer to Question 1
The skeletal muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine might also cause extreme drowsiness, as well as
dizziness and blurred vision. He needs to change position slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
General instructions also include to avoid driving and using sharp objects until the response to the
drug is known, but he is to stay off work for 5 days and in bed for the first 1 to 2 days.
Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. There is no evidence that muscle
relaxants help when used for more than 1 week.
Diazepam is a sedative hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. It is a Schedule IV drug
because of the risk for abuse.
False You need to remind him that skeletal muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril, cannot be taken with
other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as sleeping pills (hypnotics), sedatives, or
alcohol, because increased CNS depression and mental confusion might result.
Answer to Question 2
Obtain a clear chronologic narrative of problem onset, setting, manifestation, and past medical
treatment. Principal symptoms should be described. Use the COLDERRA mnemonic to guide
questions (COLDERRA: Characteristics, Onset, Location, Duration, Exacerbation, Radiation, Relief,
Associated signs and symptoms S/S).
His potbelly puts undue strain on the lumbar joints, muscles, and tendons in his low back.
Piroxicam, like other NSAIDs, can precipitate peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding,
especially if taken on an empty stomach. S/S of GI bleeding include abdominal pain or other GI
discomfort and tarry, maroon, or bloody stools.