Myasthenia Gravis – Questions & Proper Solutions
What is Myasthenia Gravis? Right Ans - a progressive autoimmune disease
that produces severe muscular weakness. It is characterized by periods of
exacerbation and remission. Muscle weakness improves with rest.
Cause of Myasthenia Gravis Right Ans - caused by antibodies that interfere
with the transmission of acetylcholine at the
neuromuscular junction.
Risk Factors Right Ans - - Associated with rheumatoid arthritis,
scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus
causes Right Ans - - Co-existing autoimmune disorder
- Frequently associated with hyperplasia of the thymus gland
Factors that trigger exacerbations Right Ans - - Infection
- Stress, emotional upset, and fatigue
- Pregnancy
- Increases in body temperature (fever, sunbathing, hot tubs)
subjective signs Right Ans - - Progressive muscle weakness
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Respiratory dysfunction
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Poor posture
- Fatigue after exertion
objective signs Right Ans - - Impaired respiratory status (difficulty
managing secretions, poor respiratory effort)
- Decreased swallowing ability
- Poor muscle strength, especially of the face, eyes, and proximal portion of
major muscle groups
- Incontinence
- Drooping eyelids - unilateral or bilateral
, Diagnostic Procedures Right Ans - -Tensilon testing
-Electromyography
Tensilon testing Right Ans - -Baseline assessment of the cranial muscle
strength is done.
- Edrophonium chloride (Tensilon) is administered.
- Medication inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, making it available
for use at the neuromuscular junction. A positive test results in marked
improvement in muscle strength that lasts approximately 5 min.
Tensilon testing - nursing actions Right Ans - - Assist provider in
administering this test.
- Observe for complications such as fasciculations around the eyes and
face as well as cardiac arrhythmias.
- Have atropine available, which is the antidote for edrophonium chloride
(bradycardia, sweating, and abdominal cramps).
antidote for edrophonium chloride Right Ans - atropine
Tensilon toxicity Right Ans - bradycardia, sweating, and abdominal cramps
Electromyography Right Ans - - Shows the neuromuscular transmission
characteristics of MG.
- Decrease in amplitude of the muscle is demonstrated over a series of
consecutive muscle contractions.
Nursing Care for patients with Myasthenia Gravis Right Ans - - ***maintain
a patent airway (muscle weakness of diaphragm, respiratory, and intercostal
muscles***
-Assess swallowing to prevent aspiration.
- Keep oxygen, endotracheal intubation, and suctioning equipment, and a bag
valve mask available at the client's bedside.
-Use energy conservation measures. Allow for periods of rest.
-lubricating eye drop and ointment
- Encourage the client to wear a medical identification wristband or necklace
at all times.
- Administer medications as prescribed and at specified times.
nutrition? Right Ans - -Assess swallowing to prevent aspiration.
What is Myasthenia Gravis? Right Ans - a progressive autoimmune disease
that produces severe muscular weakness. It is characterized by periods of
exacerbation and remission. Muscle weakness improves with rest.
Cause of Myasthenia Gravis Right Ans - caused by antibodies that interfere
with the transmission of acetylcholine at the
neuromuscular junction.
Risk Factors Right Ans - - Associated with rheumatoid arthritis,
scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus
causes Right Ans - - Co-existing autoimmune disorder
- Frequently associated with hyperplasia of the thymus gland
Factors that trigger exacerbations Right Ans - - Infection
- Stress, emotional upset, and fatigue
- Pregnancy
- Increases in body temperature (fever, sunbathing, hot tubs)
subjective signs Right Ans - - Progressive muscle weakness
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Respiratory dysfunction
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Poor posture
- Fatigue after exertion
objective signs Right Ans - - Impaired respiratory status (difficulty
managing secretions, poor respiratory effort)
- Decreased swallowing ability
- Poor muscle strength, especially of the face, eyes, and proximal portion of
major muscle groups
- Incontinence
- Drooping eyelids - unilateral or bilateral
, Diagnostic Procedures Right Ans - -Tensilon testing
-Electromyography
Tensilon testing Right Ans - -Baseline assessment of the cranial muscle
strength is done.
- Edrophonium chloride (Tensilon) is administered.
- Medication inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, making it available
for use at the neuromuscular junction. A positive test results in marked
improvement in muscle strength that lasts approximately 5 min.
Tensilon testing - nursing actions Right Ans - - Assist provider in
administering this test.
- Observe for complications such as fasciculations around the eyes and
face as well as cardiac arrhythmias.
- Have atropine available, which is the antidote for edrophonium chloride
(bradycardia, sweating, and abdominal cramps).
antidote for edrophonium chloride Right Ans - atropine
Tensilon toxicity Right Ans - bradycardia, sweating, and abdominal cramps
Electromyography Right Ans - - Shows the neuromuscular transmission
characteristics of MG.
- Decrease in amplitude of the muscle is demonstrated over a series of
consecutive muscle contractions.
Nursing Care for patients with Myasthenia Gravis Right Ans - - ***maintain
a patent airway (muscle weakness of diaphragm, respiratory, and intercostal
muscles***
-Assess swallowing to prevent aspiration.
- Keep oxygen, endotracheal intubation, and suctioning equipment, and a bag
valve mask available at the client's bedside.
-Use energy conservation measures. Allow for periods of rest.
-lubricating eye drop and ointment
- Encourage the client to wear a medical identification wristband or necklace
at all times.
- Administer medications as prescribed and at specified times.
nutrition? Right Ans - -Assess swallowing to prevent aspiration.
