Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What action do skeletal muscle relaxants perform?

1. Increase muscle activity

2. CNS depressant, relieves pain and stiffness

3. Act as anti-inflammatories

4. Enhance muscle strength

The correct answer is: CNS depressant, relieves pain and stiffness

Skeletal muscle relaxants primarily function as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which contributes to their ability to relieve pain and stiffness associated with muscle spasticity and other conditions. By acting on the CNS, these medications reduce the nerve signals to the muscles, alleviating abnormal muscle contractions. This muscle relaxation effect is particularly beneficial in various medical conditions, such as after surgery, in muscle injuries, or in certain neurological disorders. The notable impact of skeletal muscle relaxants on pain relief stems from their ability to diminish muscular tension and spasm, which often contribute to discomfort and pain. By reducing these spasms and the corresponding pain, patients can experience improved mobility and a decrease in overall discomfort. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the primary action of skeletal muscle relaxants. Increasing muscle activity contradicts their purpose, and while some medications may exhibit mild anti-inflammatory effects, this is not the main mechanism of skeletal muscle relaxants. Furthermore, enhancing muscle strength is not a typical action of these medications; rather, their goal is to decrease excessive muscle tension.