Nursing care of the MS patient

The challenge of multiple sclerosis (MS) surpasses the challenge offered to the nurse by many other diseases. The multiplicity of lesions, variety of symptoms, uncertain course, and lack of a cure or even a universally effective treatment all contribute to the complexity of providing care to the person with MS. The chronic aspects of this demyelinating disease emphasize the need for care that cuts across the primary, acute, or long-term setting and includes the maintenance of physical, psychosocial, and social health; evaluation and management of symptoms; and appropriate referrals. A framework that centers on key social and psychological problems in the daily experience of chronically ill persons will be used as the basis for carrying out the process of nursing as defined by the Standards of Nursing Practice.