Myasthenia Gravis
The diagnostic work-up of a client hospitalized with complaints of progressive weakness and fatigue confirms a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The medication used to treat myasthenia gravis is: A. Prostigmine (neostigmine) B. Atropine (atropine sulfate) C. Didronel (etidronate) D. Tensilon (edrophonium)
A. Prostigmine (neostigmine) Protigmine is used to treat clients with myasthenia gravis. Atropine (atropine sulfate) is incorrect because it is used to reverse the effects of neostigmine. Didronel (etidronate)is incorrect because the drug is unrelated to the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Tensilon (edrophonium) is incorrect because it is the test for myasthenia gravis.
The nurse is teaching the female client with myasthenia gravis about the prevention of myasthenic and cholinergic crises. The nurse tells the client that this is most effectively done by: A.Taking medications on time to maintain therapeutic blood levels B.Doing all chores early in the day while less fatigued C.Doing muscle-strengthening exercises D.Eating large, well-balanced meals
A.Taking medications on time to maintain therapeutic blood levels Clients with myasthenia gravis are taught to space out activities over the day to conserve energy and restore muscle strength. Taking medications correctly to maintain blood levels that are not too low or too high is important. Muscle-strengthening exercises are not helpful and can fatigue the client. Overeating is a cause of exacerbation of symptoms, as is exposure to heat, crowds, erratic sleep habits, and emotional stress
Which of the following would be most likely given as a top nursing diagnosis for a patient experiencing a cholinergic crisis? A) Impaired Gas Exchange B) Acute Fatigue C) Ineffective airway clearance D) Altered mental status
Answer: C. During a cholinergic crisis, secretions are increased and the gag reflex is decreased, putting the patient at risk for a blocked airway. Impaired gas exchange, while has to do with respiratory, is not as appropriate as ineffective airway clearance based on the problems of the crisis. Acute fatigue and altered mental status are not priorities
The nurse is teaching a client about myasthenia gravis. Which statement, if made by the patient indicates the need for further teaching? A) The doctor will take me off of my beta blocker because it could exacerbate my symptoms B) I should report any signs of infection to my PCP C) I can take a ibuprofen to help with pain that may occur with spasms D) I should avoid taking long walks
Answer: C. OTC medication should be avoided as they may worsen MG symptoms. The doctor may stop a beta blocker as they can exacerbate symptoms (unless benefit outweighs the risk). Any signs of infection should be reported as they can exacerbate a myasthenic crisis. Long walks should be avoided due to muscle weakness and fatigue
The patient with myasthenia gravis arrives to the clinic and states that he is experiencing nausea and diarrhea. His blood pressure is 125/85 HR 70 Temp 100.0 R 19 O2 97%. What is the nursing priority? A) Prepare the patient for intubation. He is about to go into a myasthenic crisis. B) Perform teaching on medication side effects C) Assess for signs of infection D) Further assess for other thymectomy complications
Answer: C. Although the GI symptoms is a common side effect of medicaitons, it is important to follow up on the high temperature and assess for sings of infection. An infection can often exacerbate a Myasthenic crisis and should be carefully monitored for. There is no evidence that this person is about to have a myasthenic crisis and intubation should only be done if the patient is experiencing respiratory failure. There is no evidence that this patient has had a thymectomy.
Toy with a tentative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is admitted for diagnostic make up. Myasthenia gravis can confirmed by: A. Brudzinski's sign B. A positive edrophonium (Tensilon) test C. A positive sweat chloride test D. Kernigs sign
B. positive edrophonium (Tensilon) test
Your patient has just been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Which of the following orders should be questioned? A) Prednisone PO daily B) Eyepatch to be worn every night C) Pyrodostigmine bromide (Mestinon) 4 times daily PO D) Procaine (Novocain) SQ stat to reduce pain in lower limb
Answer: D. Novocain is contraindicated in patients with MG because of its long lasting effects.
The patient with myasthenia gravis is complaining about dealing with muscle weakness. Which of the following could the nurse do for this patient? A) Administer antispasmodic medication B) Teach the patient to do physical exercise for several hours each day to help strengthen muscles C) Teach the patient it is important to avoid all forms of physical activity whenever possible D) Help the patient form a plan to take medications on time
Answer: D. Taking medications at the same time each day will help reduce the exacerbation of muscle weakness. Antispasmodic medications are not indicated for this patient. Exercising for that much time each day will worsen muscle weakness and fatigue and is not feasible. The patient does not need to avoid all forms of physical activity. They need to time out physical activity with peaks of the medication in order to conserve energy.
Your patient diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis begins taking Mestinon. During the first week, the dosage is changed frequently. While the dosage is being adjusted, the nurse's priority intervention is to: A) Administer the medication with food or an 8 oz. glass of water B) Evaluate the client's muscle strength hourly after medication C) Take a full set of vital signs every 15 minutes D) Administer the medication exactly on time
B. Peak response occurs 1 hour after administration and lasts up to 8 hours. By giving the medication exactly on time, this will help determine dosage levels. Mestinon can be given with or without food/water. There is nothing in this question that indicates vitals should be taken every 15 minutes. The client's muscle strength is important to assess, but the priority intervention is to give the medication on time.
Karina a client with myasthenia gravis is to receive immunosuppressive therapy. The nurse understands that this therapy is effective because it: A.Inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. B.Decreases the production of autoantibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors. C.Promotes the removal of antibodies that impair the transmission of impulses D.Stimulates the production of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
B. Decreases the production of autoantibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors Steroids decrease the body's immune response thus decreasing the production of antibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
Jane, a 20- year old college student is admiited to the hospital with a tentative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. She is scheduled to have a series of diagnostic studies for myasthenia gravis, including a Tensilon test. In preparing her for this procedure, the nurse explains that her response to the medication will confirm the diagnosis if Tensilon produces: A. Brief exaggeration of symptoms B. Prolonged symptomatic improvement C. Rapid but brief symptomatic improvement D. Symptomatic improvement of just the ptosis
C Tensilon acts systemically to increase muscle strength; with a peak effect in 30 seconds, It lasts several minutes
The client is diagnosed with MG. Which intervention should the nurse implement when administering the anticholinesterase pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? 1. Assess for excess salivation and abdominal cramps. 2. Administer the medication before the client has eaten. 3. Break the capsule and sprinkle the medication on the food. 4. Assess the client's potassium level prior to administering medication.
Correct answer 1: Anticholinesterase medications can cause the client to have excessive salivation and abdominal cramping. When this occurs, the client receives the antidote atropine simultaneously in small doses. Mestinon is administered with milk and/or crackers to prevent stomach upset. Mestinon does not affect potassium levels.
The male client with MG is undergoing plasmapheresis at the bedside. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention by the nurse? 1. The client complains of being lightheaded and dizzy. 2. The client can smile and clamp his teeth together. 3. The client states that his leg cramps have gone away. 4. The client has a small hematoma at the vascular access site.
Correct answer 1: Hypovolemia is a complication of plasmapheresis, especially during the procedure when up to 15% of the blood volume is in the cell separator. The nurse should immediately assess for shock. All other options are expected.
Which statement by the 20-year-old female client diagnosed with MG indicates the client understands the discharge teaching? 1. "I can have children, but I will have to see my neurologist during my pregnancy." 2. "I have a new job at a children's day care center to help with expenses." 3. "I should not take a bath because I could pass out and drown while in the tub." 4. "I will drink at least 1000 mL of water or other liquid every day."
Correct answer 1: MG will not prevent conception or delivery but can cause the client to experience an exacerbation of the disease. The client should be seen regularly by the neurologist and the obstetrician. Young children are ill frequently, and infections can result in an exacerbation for the client. Option 3 applies to clients who have seizures. The client is not restricted to 1000 mL of fluid per day.
The client diagnosed with MG is being discharged home. Which intervention should the nurse teach the significant other? 1. Discuss how to perform the Heimlich maneuver. 2. Explain how to perform oral hygiene on a conscious client. 3. Teach how to perform isometric exercises. 4. Demonstrate correct hand placement for chest compressions.
Correct answer 1: The client is at risk for choking, and knowing specific measures to help the client helps decrease the client's as well as significant other's anxiety and promotes confidence in managing potential complications. The client should perform oral care. The client should perform isotonic exercises, not isometric exercises, and the client is not at an increased risk for cardiac complications, so teaching about chest compression is not necessary
The client diagnosed with MG is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden exacerbation of motor weakness. Which assessment data indicate the client is experiencing a myasthenic crisis? 1. The serum assay of circulating acetylcholine receptor antibodies is increased. 2. The client's symptoms improve when administering on a cholinesterase inhibitor. 3. The client's blood pressure, pulse, and respirations improve after intravenous (IV) fluid. 4. The Tensilon test does not show improvement in the client's muscle strength
Correct answer 2: This assessment datum indicates a myasthenic crisis that is due to undermedication, missed doses of medication, or developing an infection. Serum assays are useful in diagnosing the disease, not in identifying a crisis. Vital signs do not differentiate the type of crisis. No improvement after Tensilon indicates a cholinergic crisis, not a myasthenic crisis.
Which statement by the client supports the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG)? 1. "I have weakness and fatigue in my feet and legs." 2. "My eyelids droop, and I see double everything." 3. "I get chest pain and faint after I walk in the hall." 4. "I gained 3 pounds this week, and I am spitting up pink frothy sputum."
Correct answer 2: These are ocular signs/symptoms of MG. Ptosis is drooping of the eyelid, and diplopia is unilateral or bilateral double vision. Weakness and fatigue of upper body muscle occur with MG. .
The male client diagnosed with MG is prescribed the cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine (Prostigmin). Which data indicate the medication is not effective? 1. The client is able to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. 2. The client states that his vision is clear. 3. The client cannot speak or look upward at the ceiling. 4. The client is smiling and laughing with the nurse.
Correct answer 3: Dysphonia and inability to utilize the muscles of the eye and eyelid indicate the medication is not effective. Performing ADLs, having clear vision, and smiling and laughing using the facial muscles indicate the medication is effective
Which response to the Tensilon (edrophonium chloride) injection indicates the client has myasthenia gravis? 1. The client has no apparent change in the assessment data. 2. There is reduced amplitude of electrical stimulation in the muscle. 3. The anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies are present. 4. The client shows a marked improvement of muscle strength.
Correct answer 4: Clients with myasthenia gravis show a significant improvement of muscle strength that lasts approximately 5 minutes when Tensilon (edrophonium chloride) is injected.
Which referral is appropriate for the client in the late stages of myasthenia gravis? 1. The infection control nurse. 2. The occupational health nurse. 3. A vocational guidance counselor. 4. The speech therapist.
Correct answer 4: Speech therapists address swallowing problems, and clients with myasthenia gravis are dysphagic and at risk for aspiration. The infection control and occupational health nurses do not consult with the client. A vocational counselor helps with the client finding a position suited for the disability, but clients with late-stage myasthenia gravis are usually not able to work.
Helen, a client with myasthenia gravis, begins to experience increased difficulty in swallowing. To prevent aspiration of food, the nursing action that would be most effective would be to: A. Change her diet order from soft foods to clear liquids B. Place an emergency tracheostomy set in her room C. Assess her respiratory status before and after meals D. Coordinate her meal schedule with the peak effect of her medication, Mestinon
D. Coordinate her meal schedule with the peak effect of her medication, Mestinon Dysphagia should be minimized during peak effect of Mestinon, thereby decreasing the probability of aspiration. Mestinon can increase her muscle strength including her ability to swallow
The nurse is teaching the female client with myasthenia gravis about the prevention of myasthenic and cholinergic crises. The nurse tells the client that this is most effectively done by: A. Eating large, well-balanced meals B. Doing muscle-strengthening exercises C. Doing all chores early in the day while less fatigued D. Taking medications on time to maintain therapeutic blood levels
D. Taking medications on time to maintain therapeutic blood levels Clients with myasthenia gravis are taught to space out activities over the day to conserve energy and restore muscle strength. Taking medications correctly to maintain blood levels that are not too low or too high is important. Muscle-strengthening exercises are not helpful and can fatigue the client. Overeating is a cause of exacerbation of symptoms, as is exposure to heat, crowds, erratic sleep habits, and emotional stress
While reviewing a client's chart, the nurse notices that the female client has myasthenia gravis. Which of the following statements about neuromuscular blocking agents is true for a client with this condition? A. The client may be less sensitive to the effects of a neuromuscular blocking agent. B. Succinylcholine shouldn't be used; pancuronium may be used in a lower dosage. C. Pancuronium shouldn't be used; succinylcholine may be used in a lower dosage. D. Pancuronium and succinylcholine both require cautious administration
D. Pancuronium and succinylcholine both require cautious administration The nurse must cautiously administer pancuronium, succinylcholine, and any other neuromuscular blocking agent to a client with myasthenia gravis. Such a client isn't less sensitive to the effects of a neuromuscular blocking agent. Either succinylcholine or pancuronium can be administered in the usual adult dosage to a client with myasthenia gravis
The nurse is caring for a client admitted with suspected myasthenia gravis. Which finding is usually associated with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis? A. Visual disturbances, including diplopia B. Ascending paralysis and loss of motor function C. Cogwheel rigidity and loss of coordination D. Progressive weakness that is worse at the day s end
D. Progressive weakness that is worse at the days end The client with myasthenia develops progressive weakness that worsens during the day. Visual disturbances, including diplopia is incorrect because it refers to symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Ascending paralysis and loss of motor function is incorrect because it refers to symptoms of Guillain Barre syndrome. Cogwheel rigidity and loss of coordination is incorrect because it refers to Parkinsons disease.
The most significant initial nursing observations that need to be made about a client with myasthenia include: A. Ability to chew and speak distinctly B. Degree of anxiety about her diagnosis C. Ability to smile an to close her eyelids D. Respiratory exchange and ability to swallow
D. Respiratory exchange and ability to swallow Muscle weakness can lead to respiratory failure that will require emergency intervention and inability to swallow may lead to aspiration.
Which of the following is not an autoimmune disease? A. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus B.Myasthenia gravis C.Alzheimer's disease D.Graves disease
C. Alzheimer's disease
A female client has experienced an episode of myasthenic crisis. The nurse would assess whether the client has precipitating factors such as: A. Getting too little exercise B. Taking excess medication C. Omitting doses of medication D. Increasing intake of fatty foods
C. Omitting doses of medication Myasthenic crisis often is caused by undermedication and responds to the administration of cholinergic medications, such as neostigmine (Prostigmin) and pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Cholinergic crisis (the opposite problem) is caused by excess medication and responds to withholding of medications. Too little exercise and fatty food intake are incorrect. Overexertion and overeating possibly could trigger myasthenic crisis.
Correct The nursing assistant reports to you, the RN, that the patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) has an elevated temperature (102.20 F), heart rate of 120/minute, rise in blood pressure (158/94), and was incontinent off urine and stool. What is your best first action at this time? A. Reschedule patient's physical therapy. B. Recheck vital signs in 1 hour. C. Notify the physician immediately. D. Administer an acetaminophen suppository.
C. The changes that the nursing assistant is reporting are characteristics of myasthenia crisis, which often follows some type of infection. The patient is at risk for inadequate respiratory function. In addition to notifying the physician, the nurse should carefully monitor the patient's respiratory status. The patient may need incubation and mechanical ventilation. The nurse would notify the physician before giving the suppository because there may be orders for cultures before giving acetaminophen. This patient's vital signs need to be re-checked sooner than 1 hour. Rescheduling the physical therapy can be delegated to the unit clerk and is not urgent. Focus: Prioritization
In making a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis Edrophonium HCI (Tensilon) is used. The nurse knows that this drug will cause a temporary increase in: A. Muscle strength B. Symptoms C.Blood pressure D. Consciousness
A. Muscle strength Tensilon, an anticholinesterase drug, causes temporary relief of symptoms of myasthenia gravis in client who have the disease and is therefore an effective diagnostic aid.
The client is experiencing a myasthenic crisis. Which of the following is a priority action of the following ordered actions? A) Insert NG tube B) Administer Ativan C) Monitor I&O D) Immediately stop anticholinesterase medications
Answer: A. Inserting the NG tube is the priority because it will help reduce risk for aspiration. The patient experiencing a myasthenic crisis is at a large risk for respiratory failure due to dysphagia and extreme muscle weakness. All priority actions should be focused on respiratory assessment and support. Ativan and any other sedating medication should NEVER be administered. Stopping anticholinesterase medications is associated with a cholinergic crisis. Monitoring I&O is important, but not as important as NG tube
You are teaching your patient diagnosed with myasthenia gravis about treatments. Which of the following statements, if made by the patient indicates the need for further teaching? A) Plasmapheresis is way to reduce symptoms but will need to be done every day B) A thymectomy is a removal of my thymus gland and will show some immediate relieving of my symptoms C) Corticosteroids can be used for short periods of time to help improve my symptoms, but it isn't good for long periods of time D) I need to take my Mestinon four times a day at the same time each day
Answer: B. A thymectomy may help reduce symptoms, but the effects may not be seen for many months after surgery. Plasmapheresis is the removal of antibodies from blood plasma. It must be done daily for a period of time. Corticosteroids are mostly used for short periods of time unless the patient is experiencing ocular complications. Pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon) is divided into several doses and should be taken at the same time daily.
A physician diagnoses a client with myasthenia gravis, prescribing pyridostigmine (Mestinon), 60 mg P.O. every 3 hours. Before administering this anticholinesterase agent, the nurse reviews the client's history. Which preexisting condition would contraindicate the use of pyridostigmine? A. Ulcerative colitis B. Blood dyscrasia C. Intestinal obstruction D. Spinal cord injury
C. Intestinal obstruction Anticholinesterase agents such as pyridostigmine are contraindicated in a client with a mechanical obstruction of the intestines or urinary tract, peritonitis, or hypersensitivity to anticholinesterase agents. Ulcerative colitis, blood dyscrasia, and spinal cord injury dont contraindicate use of the drug.
Helen is diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon) therapy is started. The Mestinon dosage is frequently changed during the first week. While the dosage is being adjusted, the nurse's priority intervention is to: A. Administer the medication exactly on time B. Administer the medication with food or mild C. Evaluate the client s muscle strength hourly after medication D. Evaluate the client s emotional side effects between doses
C. Evaluate the clients muscle strength hourly after medication Peak response occurs 1 hour after administration and lasts up to 8 hours; the response will influence dosage levels.
The initial nursing goal for a client with myasthenia gravis during the diagnostic phase of her hospitalization would be to: A. Develop a teaching plan B. Facilitate psychologic adjustment C. Maintain the present muscle strength D. Prepare for the appearance of myasthenic crisis
C. Maintain the present muscle strength Until diagnosis is confirmed, primary goal should be to maintain adequate activity and prevent muscle atrophy
The nurse is discharging a client diagnosed with MG. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the discharge instructions? 1. "I can control the MG with medication, but an adenectomy will cure it." 2. "I should take a holiday from my medications every 4 or 5 weeks." 3. "I must take my medications on time every day, or I could have problems." 4. "I should take my steroid medications with food so it won't upset my stomach."
Correct answer 3: The anti cholinesterase medications used to treat MG must be taken on time in order to prevent muscle weakness and respiratory complications. These medications are one of the very few that the nurse should administer at the exact scheduled time. Steroids are not prescribed for MG.
