The nurse is caring for a patient with multiple sclerosis. What action will the nurse implement to improve physical functioning?

Choice A rationale Encouraging a regular exercise routine is essential for improving physical functioning in patients with multiple sclerosis. Exercise helps maintain muscle tone, improves balance, and reduces the severity of fatigue, which are common challenges in MS. While the nurse must ensure the patient avoids overexertion and overheating, a tailored program focusing on stretching and strengthening can significantly enhance mobility. Physical activity also supports cardiovascular health and psychological well-being, which are critical for long-term functional independence. Choice B rationale Corticosteroids are typically administered to manage acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis by reducing neuroinflammation and shortening the duration of relapses. However, they are not usually administered on a daily, long-term basis for the primary purpose of improving baseline physical functioning due to their significant side effects, such as osteoporosis and hyperglycemia. While helpful for inflammation, they do not replace the physical rehabilitation needed to improve muscle strength or coordination in a stable patient. Choice C rationale Turning and repositioning every 2 hours is a standard nursing intervention to prevent pressure injuries in immobile patients. While this is a necessary safety measure for a patient who is bedbound, it is not an active intervention designed to improve the physical functioning or mobility of a patient with multiple sclerosis. To improve functioning, the nurse should focus on interventions that encourage the patient to move themselves and engage in active rehabilitation rather than passive positioning. Choice D rationale Beta interferon 2 is an immunomodulating therapy used to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. While these disease-modifying therapies are crucial for slowing the progression of the disease and preventing future disability, the administration of the medication itself is a pharmacological intervention rather than a direct physical action to improve current functioning. Functional improvement is better achieved through physical therapy and active exercise programs that build strength and coordination.