In a client with Parkinson's disease prescribed a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant, which therapeutic effect is expected?

• A. Cure of the disease
• B. No effect
• C. Improvement in cognitive function
• D. Reduction of the rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease

Answer: (D)

Central-acting skeletal muscle relaxants aim to decrease abnormal muscle tone, helping with stiffness rather than altering the underlying disease. In Parkinson's disease, rigidity is a major motor symptom that makes movement difficult; reducing this rigidity improves ease of movement and overall motor function. So the expected therapeutic effect is a reduction of the rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease.

These drugs do not cure the disease or reverse neurodegeneration, and they are not expected to improve cognitive function. They may cause sedation or other CNS effects, but the primary benefit here is less rigid, more flexible muscles.