The nurse is caring for a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who complains of fatigue. What does the nurse include in the care plan to teach the patient to reduce fatigue?

Rationale: A. Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of MS. Heat intolerance is frequent because elevated body temperature slows nerve conduction in demyelinated neurons, increasing fatigue and other MS symptoms. Resting in a cool environment helps the patient conserve energy, prevent exacerbation of symptoms, and maintain functional independence. Incorporating scheduled rest periods is a cornerstone of fatigue management in MS. B. Planned short naps (20–30 minutes) can improve energy levels and cognitive function in patients with MS. Forbidding naps can lead to increased daytime sleepiness, decreased alertness, and overall worsening of fatigue, which negatively affects quality of life. Fatigue management focuses on energy conservation, not restricting rest. C. Heat exposure can temporarily worsen MS symptoms through Uhthoff’s phenomenon, including fatigue, blurred vision, weakness, and numbness. Hot baths or showers may increase core body temperature, leading to transient worsening of fatigue and other neurologic symptoms. Cool or lukewarm water is generally recommended instead. D. Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant used to relieve skeletal muscle spasms. It does not address fatigue in MS and can cause sedation, dizziness, or lethargy, which may actually worsen fatigue. Fatigue management in MS relies on energy conservation strategies, activity pacing, and environmental modifications, not pharmacologic muscle relaxants.