30 Questions
Why is it important for the nurse to check swallowing before giving medications?
To prevent aspiration
What is a common sign that a patient with myasthenia gravis may experience in their vision?
Blurred vision
Why should smaller meals that are easy to chew be recommended for patients with myasthenia gravis?
To minimize effort in chewing
Why is it suggested to schedule meals during the peak time of medication for patients with myasthenia gravis?
To optimize chewing and swallowing muscle function
What is a potential consequence of not educating a patient with myasthenia gravis to take small bites and rest while eating?
Increased risk of choking
Why should large meals be preferred at the beginning of the day for patients with myasthenia gravis?
To align with progressive weakening throughout the day
Which symptom of Myasthenia Gravis involves the patient experiencing eyelid drooping in one or both eyes?
Double vision
What is a common sign of Myasthenia Gravis where the patient's face appears mask-like and lacks expression?
Experiencing fatigue and weakness
What diagnostic test for Myasthenia Gravis involves administering a medication called Edrophonium?
Tensilon test
Which complication of Myasthenia Gravis may require intubation and mechanical ventilation for the patient to breathe?
Myasthenic Crisis
What risk factor can lead to a severe acute exacerbation in Myasthenia Gravis patients known as Myasthenic Crisis?
Mental stress
Which symptom of Myasthenia Gravis involves the patient having a hoarse and very soft voice?
Slurred speech
Which of the following signs or symptoms is NOT commonly seen in myasthenia gravis?
Restlessness
What is a characteristic visual symptom experienced by individuals with myasthenia gravis?
Drooping eyelids
Which of the following treatments is a common intervention for myasthenia gravis?
Plasmapheresis
What type of medication is typically used to manage myasthenia gravis?
Anticholinesterase medications
When is the best time to assist a patient with myasthenia gravis in bathing and exercising?
After resting in the morning
Which of the following activities would be most challenging for a patient with myasthenia gravis?
Playing an outdoor sport in the afternoon
What is the primary function of the anticholinesterase medication Pyridostigmine in treating Myasthenia Gravis?
It improves muscle strength by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine
When should a patient with Myasthenia Gravis take their anticholinesterase medication for optimal results?
30 to 60 minutes before a meal
Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of a cholinergic crisis?
Increased heart rate
What is the primary difference between a myasthenic crisis and a cholinergic crisis in a patient with Myasthenia Gravis?
They have different causes but similar symptoms
How should a cholinergic crisis be treated in a patient with Myasthenia Gravis?
No anticholinesterase medication and administer atropine
What are some factors that can worsen the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?
Menstrual cycle, sickness, stress, and extreme temperatures
Where is the thymus gland located in the human body?
Anteriorly in the upper part of the chest behind the sternum in between the lungs
What is the most appropriate time to administer Pyridostigmine to a patient with myasthenia gravis who is eating lunch at 1200?
1 hour before the patient eats (at 1100)
What is the primary function of Pyridostigmine in treating myasthenia gravis?
Preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine
Which type of receptors are damaged in a patient with myasthenia gravis?
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
What is the main reason for administering Pyridostigmine 1 hour before a patient with myasthenia gravis eats?
To ensure maximum muscle strength during chewing and swallowing
How does Pyridostigmine improve muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis?
By preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine
Study Notes
Monitoring Neuromuscular Status
- Assess vision, voice, swallowing, facial appearance, strength in arms and legs, and cranial nerves to monitor neuromuscular status in patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
- Patients are at risk of injury and require assistance at all times
- Speech pathologists will evaluate and recommend treatment based on findings
Safety Precautions
- Patients may have double vision and require an eye patch to help
- Arm and leg weakness is common
- Patients are at risk of aspiration and require hob of greater than 30' while eating
- Feeding tubes may be necessary, and nurses will manage them
Nutrition and Swallowing
- Patients may have difficulty chewing and swallowing due to weakened muscles
- Recommend small, easy-to-chew meals that require minimal effort
- Schedule meals during peak medication time (30 minutes to 1 hour before eating)
- Thicken liquids to aid swallowing
- Take small bites and rest while eating
- Large meals should be consumed early in the day when energy levels are highest
Signs and Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
- Weakness in neck, face, arms, legs, and hands
- Eyelid drooping (Ptosis) or double vision (Strabismus)
- Mask-like appearance with no expression, looking sleepy
- Difficulty swallowing due to weak muscles
- No energy, with fatigue worsening throughout the day
- Slurred speech, shortness of breath, and respiratory failure are possible complications
Complications of Myasthenia Gravis
- Myasthenic Crisis: a severe acute exacerbation of MG, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation
- Risk factors include improper medication dosage, stress, and respiratory infection
- Patients may experience severe weakness, respiratory failure, and require intubation
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Edrophonium (Tensilon) test diagnoses MG by preventing acetylcholine breakdown, allowing more neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction
- Anticholinesterase medications (e.g., Pyridostigmine) improve symptoms by preventing acetylcholine breakdown, increasing muscle strength
- Thymectomy, corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis are treatment options, but not cholinesterase medications
- Pyridostigmine should be taken 30-60 minutes before a meal to aid swallowing and chewing
- Monitor for Myasthenic crisis (from not enough medication) or cholinergic crisis (from too much medication), both causing respiratory failure and severe muscle weakness
Learn about the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in various parts of the body such as the neck, face, arms, legs, and hands. Symptoms may include eyelid drooping (ptosis), mask-like appearance, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, double vision, slurred speech, and shortness of breath.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
