Which of the following is a side effect of diazepam in a client with multiple sclerosis?

• A. Incoordination
• B. Insomnia
• C. Weight gain
• D. Nausea

Answer: (D)

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, can cause central nervous system depression with symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, and especially ataxia, which is a loss of coordination. In multiple sclerosis, there is already impaired motor control from demyelination. A drug that further slows coordination tends to worsen incoordination, making it the most likely side effect to manifest in an MS client taking diazepam.

Nausea can occur with benzodiazepines but is not as characteristic or impactful on MS motor function. Insomnia is not a typical side effect of diazepam and may even be addressed by its sedative effects in some cases. Weight gain can happen with long-term use, but it’s less directly related to the acute coordination issues relevant to MS.