Author Question: The nurse is assessing a patient with myasthenia gravis. Which are characteristics of this disease? ... (Read 93 times)

Tirant22 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is assessing a patient with myasthenia gravis. Which are characteristics of this disease?

Select all that apply.
1. Routine exercise provides an improvement in muscle strength.
2. Visual problems may be an early symptom.
3. There may be difficulty swallowing.
4. Great improvement occurs in muscle strength with physical therapy.
5. There may be poor articulation in speaking.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing medication orders for a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). What medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

1. adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
2. meperidine (Demerol)
3. monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
4. rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon)

Beatricemm · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 5
The manifestations of myasthenia gravis correspond to the muscles involved. Initially, the eye muscles are affected and the patient experiences either diplopia (unilateral or bilateral double vision) or ptosis (drooping of the eyelid). Patients may have periods of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and dysarthria (problems with speech). Although treatments such as glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy may result in an increase in muscle strength, exercise tends to fatigue muscles, while rest will improve function. The voice is weak with a muffled nasal quality.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) decreases inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Meperidine (Demerol) is a narcotic analgesic and would not be used to treat MS. MAO inhibitors are used to treat depression. Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon) is used in the treatment of Alzheimer disease.