Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

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Questions and Answers

Why is it important for the nurse to check swallowing before giving medications?

To prevent aspiration (correct)

To monitor for facial appearance changes

To evaluate vision changes

To assess arm and leg strength

What is a common sign that a patient with myasthenia gravis may experience in their vision?

Tunnel vision

Blurred vision (correct)

Night blindness

Color blindness

Why should smaller meals that are easy to chew be recommended for patients with myasthenia gravis?

To minimize effort in chewing (correct)

To allow for quicker eating times

To increase their appetite

To improve digestion

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom of Myasthenia Gravis involves the patient experiencing eyelid drooping in one or both eyes?

Double vision Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of Myasthenia Gravis where the patient's face appears mask-like and lacks expression?

Experiencing fatigue and weakness Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test for Myasthenia Gravis involves administering a medication called Edrophonium?

Tensilon test Signup and view all the answers

Which complication of Myasthenia Gravis may require intubation and mechanical ventilation for the patient to breathe?

Myasthenic Crisis Signup and view all the answers

What risk factor can lead to a severe acute exacerbation in Myasthenia Gravis patients known as Myasthenic Crisis?

Mental stress Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom of Myasthenia Gravis involves the patient having a hoarse and very soft voice?

Slurred speech Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signs or symptoms is NOT commonly seen in myasthenia gravis?

Restlessness Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic visual symptom experienced by individuals with myasthenia gravis?

Drooping eyelids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is a common intervention for myasthenia gravis?

Plasmapheresis Signup and view all the answers

What type of medication is typically used to manage myasthenia gravis?

Anticholinesterase medications Signup and view all the answers

When is the best time to assist a patient with myasthenia gravis in bathing and exercising?

After resting in the morning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities would be most challenging for a patient with myasthenia gravis?

Playing an outdoor sport in the afternoon Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the anticholinesterase medication Pyridostigmine in treating Myasthenia Gravis?

It improves muscle strength by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

When should a patient with Myasthenia Gravis take their anticholinesterase medication for optimal results?

30 to 60 minutes before a meal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of a cholinergic crisis?

Increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

How should a cholinergic crisis be treated in a patient with Myasthenia Gravis?

No anticholinesterase medication and administer atropine Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that can worsen the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Menstrual cycle, sickness, stress, and extreme temperatures Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Pyridostigmine in treating myasthenia gravis?

Preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptors are damaged in a patient with myasthenia gravis?

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

How does Pyridostigmine improve muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis?

By preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

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

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Description

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.