The best response to a client questioning the need for riluzole in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is that it may be able to slow the progression of ALS. Riluzole is an FDA-approved medication specifically indicated for ALS, and it has been shown to extend survival and time to tracheostomy in some patients by slowing down the disease's progression.
Communicating the mechanism and benefits of the medication is crucial for fostering understanding and adherence to treatment. When patients know that riluzole can help manage their condition over time, they may feel more motivated to continue therapy, even if it doesn’t provide a cure.
Other options, while they mention relevant aspects, either overstate the effects or are factually incorrect. For instance, while riluzole does reduce the level of glutamate, simply stating that it may reduce glutamate without connecting it to the overall benefit in ALS might not highlight its significance effectively. Addressing side effects honestly is also important; stating that the medication has no side effects is misleading since all medications can carry risks. Lastly, mentioning state assistance is not relevant to the therapeutic benefits of riluzole and does not address the client’s concerns about their treatment directly.