Myasthenia Gravis Nursing Care Plan & Management

Notes

Description
  1. Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disease characterized by considerable weakness and abnormal fatigue of the voluntary muscles.MG
  2. A defect in the transmission of nerve impulses at the myoneural junction occurs.
  3. Causes include insufficient secretion of acetylcholine, excessive secretion of cholinesterase, and unresponsiveness of the muscle fibers to acetylcholine.
Causes

MG, thought to be an autoimmune disorder, is caused by a loss of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors in the postsynaptic neurons at the neuromuscular junction. About 80% of all MG patients have elevated titers for ACh receptor antibodies, which can prevent the ACh molecule from binding to these receptor sites or can cause damage to them. MG is often associated with thymic tumors.

Assessment
  1. Weakness and fatigue
  2. Difficulty chewing
  3. Dysphagia
  4. Ptosisptosis
  5. Diplopia
  6. Weak, hoarse voice
  7. Difficulty breathing
  8. Diminished breath sounds
  9. Respiratory paralysis and failure
Complications
Myasthenic Crisis
  • This sudden onset of muscle weakness is usually the result of undermedication or no cholinergic medication at all. Myasthenic crisis may result from progression of the disease, emotional upset, systemic infections, medications, surgery, or trauma. The crisis is manifested by sudden onset of acute respiratory distress and inability to swallow or speak.
Cholinergic Crisis
  • Caused by overmedication with cholinergic or anticholinesterase drugs, cholinergic crisis produces muscle weakness and the respiratory depression of myasthenic crisisas well as gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), sweating, increased salivation, and bradycardia.
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
  • Ineffective airway clearance related to difficulty in swallowing and aspiration
Diagnostic Evaluation
  • Injection of edrophonium (Tensilon) is used to confirm the diagnosis (have atropine available for side effects). Improvement in muscle strength represents a positive test and usually confirms the diagnosis.
  • MRI may demonstrate an enlarged thymus gland.
  • Test includes serum analysis for acetylcholine receptor and electromyography (EMG) to measure electrical potential of muscle cells.
Holding your arms above your shoulders until they drop is one exercise that may be performed during the Tensilon test. In this test, the drug Tensilon is administered, and the response in the muscles are evaluated to help diagnose myasthenia gravis or to help differentiate between myasthenia gravis and other conditions.

Holding your arms above your shoulders until they drop is one exercise that may be performed during the Tensilon test. In this test, the drug Tensilon is administered, and the response in the muscles are evaluated to help diagnose myasthenia gravis or to help differentiate between myasthenia gravis and other conditions.

Medical Management

Management is directed at improving function through the administration of anticholinesterase medications and by reducing and removing circulating antibodies. Patients with MG are usually managed on an outpatient basis unless hospitalization is required for managing symptoms or complications.

Pharmacologic Highlights
  • Anticholinesterase drugs such as Pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon), neostigmine bromide (Prostigmine); neostigmine methylsulfate can be given as a continuous infusion if the patient cannot take oral medication. Anticholinesterase drugs blocks the action of the enzyme anticholinesterase, thereby producing symptomatic improvement; atropine must be readily available to treat cholinergic side effects and medications must be administered on time, or the patient may be too weak or unable to swallow the drug.
  • Prednisone is used to suppresses the autoimmune activity of MG
  • Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants such as Azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxin) is used to suppress autoimmune activity when patients do not respond to prednisone; can produce extreme immunosuppression and toxic side effects
Nursing Interventions
  1. Monitor respiratory status and ability to cough and deep breathe adequately.
  2. Monitor for respiratory failure.
  3. Maintain suctioning and emergency equipment at the bedside.
  4. Monitor vital signs.
  5. Monitor speech and swallowing abilities to prevent aspiration.
  6. Encourage the client to sit up when eating.
  7. Assess muscle status.
  8. Instruct the client to conserve strength.
  9. Plan short activities that coincide with times of maximal muscle strength.
  10. Monitor for myasthenic and cholinergic crises.
  11. Administer anticholinesterase medications as prescribed.
  12. Instruct the client to avoid stress, infection, fatigue, and over-the counter medications.
  13. Instruct the client to wear a Medic-Alert bracelet.
  14. Inform the client about services from the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation.
Documentation Guidelines
  • Respiratory status: Rate, quality, depth, ease, breath sounds, arterial hemoglobin saturation with oxygen
  • Ability to chew, swallow, and speak (swallowing can be subjectively rated by the patient in anticipating ability to swallow food [0 =unable to swallow liquids to 5 = able to swallow regular diet]), food intake, daily weights
  • Muscle weakness and strength, speed and degree of fatigue, ability to perform activities of daily living, response to rest, and plans for modification of activity
  • Ptosis (can be rated by the nurse [0 = unable to open lid to 5 =uppermost edge of iris visible])
Discharge and Home Healthcare Guidelines
  • Instruct the patient and family on the importance of rest and avoiding fatigue. Be alert to factors that can cause exacerbations, such as infection (an annual flu shot is suggested), surgery, pregnancy, exposure to extreme temperatures, and tonic and alcoholic drinks. Instruct the patient and family about drug actions and side effects, the indications for dosage alteration, and the selective use of atropine for any overdose.
  • Stress the importance of taking the medication in a timely manner. It is advisable to time the dose 1 hour before meals for best chewing and swallowing. Explain the potential drug interactions (especially aminoglycosides and neuromuscular blocking agents, which include many pesticides). Encourage the patient to inform the dentist, ophthalmologist, and pharmacist of the myasthenic condition.
  • Instruct patients about the symptoms that require emergency treatment, and encourage them to locate a neurologist familiar with MG management for any follow-up needs. Suggest that they collect a packet of literature to take to the emergency department in case the available physician is unfamiliar with this disease. (The Physician’s Handbook is available on request from the MG Foundation.)
  • Instruct patients to wear MG identification jewelry. Suggest having an “emergency code” to alert family if they are too weak to speak (such as ringing the phone twice and hanging up).
  • Instruct the family about cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, how to contact the rescue squad, and how to explain the route to the hospital.
  • Make a referral to a vocational rehabilitation center if guidance for modifying the home or work environment, such as a raised seat and handrail for the toilet, would be beneficial.

 

Exam

Welcome to your MSN Exam for Myasthenia Gravis! This exam is carefully curated to help you consolidate your knowledge and gain deeper understanding on the topic.

 

Exam Details

  • Number of Questions: 20 items
  • Mode: Practice Mode

Exam Instructions

  1. Practice Mode: This mode aims to facilitate effective learning and review.
  2. Instant Feedback: After each question, the correct answer along with an explanation will be revealed. This is to help you understand the reasoning behind the correct answer, helping to reinforce your learning.
  3. Time Limit: There is no time limit for this exam. Take your time to understand each question and the corresponding choices.

Tips For Success

  • Read each question carefully. Take your time and don't rush.
  • Understand the rationale behind each answer. This will not only help you during this exam, but also assist in reinforcing your learning.
  • Don't be discouraged by incorrect answers. Use them as an opportunity to learn and improve.
  • Take breaks if you need them. It's not a race, and your understanding is what's most important.
  • Keep a positive attitude and believe in your ability to succeed.

Remember, this exam is not just a test of your knowledge, but also an opportunity to enhance your understanding and skills. Enjoy the learning journey!

 

Click 'Start Exam' when you're ready to begin. Best of luck!

💡 Hint

Think about how immunosuppressive therapy impacts the immune system's activity, particularly in autoimmune conditions where the body's defense mechanism attacks its own cells.

1 / 20

1. Nurse Parker is providing care for Karen, who has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and is about to start immunosuppressive therapy. Nurse Parker recognizes the efficacy of this therapy is due to its ability to:

💡 Hint

Focus on the diagnostic test that is specifically used to assess for the presence of myasthenia gravis, involving a medication that temporarily improves muscle strength.

2 / 20

2. Peter, who has a provisional diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, is undergoing a series of diagnostic evaluations. The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis can be confirmed through:

💡 Hint

Consider the pharmacological action of Edrophonium HCI (Tensilon) during the diagnostic process of myasthenia gravis and how it affects muscle function temporarily.

3 / 20

3. Nurse Mitchell is aware that in diagnosing myasthenia gravis, Edrophonium HCI (Tensilon) is utilized, and she understands that this medication will cause a temporary increase in:

💡 Hint

Think about the characteristic response to Tensilon in a patient with myasthenia gravis, especially in terms of the duration and nature of symptomatic relief.

4 / 20

4. As Jessica, a 20-year-old college student, prepares for a Tensilon test to confirm a tentative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, Nurse Carter provides an explanation about what to expect. Nurse Carter informs Jessica that a positive indication for myasthenia gravis during the Tensilon test would be demonstrated by:

💡 Hint

Identify the neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction, and whose receptors are targeted in myasthenia gravis.

5 / 20

5. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by impaired communication due to the destruction of receptors for a specific neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter is:

💡 Hint

Consider the effect of anticholinesterase agents on the gastrointestinal system and which condition could exacerbate due to increased motility and secretions.

6 / 20

6. Upon reviewing the medical history of a client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and prescribed pyridostigmine (Mestinon), Nurse Wilson is cautious about contraindications for the use of this anticholinesterase medication. She recognizes that which preexisting condition would be a contraindication for the administration of pyridostigmine?

💡 Hint

Focus on the most critical side effect of pyridostigmine that can affect breathing and overall muscle function.

7 / 20

7. Nurse Mitchell is caring for Taylor, who has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and has recently started treatment with pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon). As the dosage of Mestinon is being finely adjusted during the initial week, Nurse Mitchell's top priority is to:

💡 Hint

Identify the condition that is primarily associated with neurodegeneration rather than an autoimmune response.

8 / 20

8. Nurse Thompson is reviewing a list of conditions to understand which one is not classified as an autoimmune disease. The condition that does not fit the category of autoimmune diseases is:

💡 Hint

Focus on the specific neurotransmitter whose receptors are targeted in the neuromuscular junction in myasthenia gravis.

9 / 20

9. Nurse Taylor is explaining the underlying pathology of myasthenia gravis to a group of nursing students. She describes the condition as occurring when certain receptors are blocked and destroyed by antibodies. Which receptors are involved in this process?

💡 Hint

Reflect on the relationship between medication management and the stability of myasthenia gravis symptoms, especially considering what could lead to an exacerbation of the condition.

10 / 20

10. Following an episode of myasthenic crisis in a female client, Nurse Edwards is assessing potential precipitating factors. She carefully considers whether the client's crisis could have been triggered by:

💡 Hint

Consider the primary concern in the management of myasthenia gravis, especially in the early stages of diagnosis.

11 / 20

11. During the diagnostic phase of hospitalization for a client with myasthenia gravis, Nurse Johnson sets an initial nursing goal. Her primary focus is to:

💡 Hint

Focus on the most vital functions that can be compromised in myasthenia gravis, potentially leading to life-threatening situations.

12 / 20

12. Nurse Harris is prioritizing her initial nursing observations for a client recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. The most critical aspects for her to monitor closely include:

💡 Hint

Consider the medication that is commonly used to manage symptoms by improving muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis.

13 / 20

13. Nurse Ramirez is caring for a client who has been hospitalized with symptoms of progressive weakness and fatigue, and whose diagnostic work-up confirms a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The medication typically used to treat myasthenia gravis is:

💡 Hint

Consider the mechanism of action of Neostigmine (Prostigmin) and how it affects the breakdown of a specific neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction.

14 / 20

14. Nurse Evans is reviewing the medication profile of a client with myasthenia gravis who has been prescribed Neostigmine (Prostigmin). She understands that this medication works by:

💡 Hint

Consider the strategy that would optimize the client's muscle strength during meals, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration.

15 / 20

15. Nurse Ramirez is caring for Selena, a client with myasthenia gravis who is starting to have increased difficulty swallowing. To effectively prevent the aspiration of food, Nurse Ramirez should:

💡 Hint

Think about the heightened sensitivity to these agents in clients with myasthenia gravis and how it influences the administration and monitoring of the medication.

16 / 20

16. While examining the medical chart of a female client with myasthenia gravis, Nurse Johnson notes a crucial consideration regarding the use of neuromuscular blocking agents for this client:

💡 Hint

Consider the urgency and potential seriousness of the symptoms presented, especially in a patient with myasthenia gravis, and the immediate need for medical evaluation and intervention.

17 / 20

17. Upon being informed by the nursing assistant that a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) is exhibiting symptoms including elevated temperature, increased heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and incontinence, the most prudent initial action for the RN would be to:

💡 Hint

Reflect on the key management approach in myasthenia gravis, which involves maintaining balance in a specific aspect of treatment.

18 / 20

18. Nurse Davis is providing education to a female client with myasthenia gravis, focusing on strategies to prevent both myasthenic and cholinergic crises. Nurse Davis emphasizes the importance of:

💡 Hint

Consider the aspect of neuromuscular transmission that is specifically targeted and impaired in myasthenia gravis.

19 / 20

19. Nurse Thompson is attending to a client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis who is curious about the underlying cause of their condition. In explaining, Nurse Thompson relies on her understanding of the disease's pathophysiology. She explains that the disease is due to:

💡 Hint

Focus on the symptom that is a common early manifestation of myasthenia gravis, often related to the muscles that control eye and eyelid movement.

20 / 20

20. Nurse Parker is assessing a client who has been admitted with a suspected diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. In considering the characteristic symptoms associated with this condition, she notes:

Nursing Care Plan

Nursing Diagnosis

Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to neuromuscular weakness of the respiratory muscles and throat.

Desired outcomes

The patient will maintain an oxygen saturation of >92% and a respiratory rate of 12-20 with ADL’s.

Nursing Interventions
  • Assess for signs of activity intolerance. Ask client to rate perceived exertion.
    • Rationale: Dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, headaches, or dizziness or patient states increased exertion level, are all signs of activity intolerance and decreased tissue oxygenation.
  • Monitor pulse oximetry and report O2 saturation <92%.
    • Rationale: O2 sat of <92% indicates the need to supplement oxygen.
  • Monitor the patients pulse oximetry every 4-6 hours.
    • Rationale: An O2 saturation of less than 92% may detect hypoxia and signals the need for supplemental oxygen.
  • Encourage deep breathing exercises and administer oxygen if indicated
    • Rationale: Increases oxygen delivery to the body.

Nursing Diagnosis

Risk for Aspiration related to difficulty swallowing

Desired outcomes

Client is able to swallow independently without choking.  Able to maintain a patent airway.

Nursing Interventions
  • Assess for signs of activity intolerance. Ask client to rate perceived exertion.
    • Rationale: Dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, headaches, or dizziness or patient states increased exertion level, are all signs of activity intolerance and decreased tissue oxygenation.
  • Monitor pulse oximetry and report O2 saturation <92%.
    • Rationale: O2 sat of <92% indicates the need to supplement oxygen.

Nursing Diagnosis

Self-Care Deficit related to muscle weakness, general fatigue.

Desired outcomes

Patient is able to perform self-care activities independently and able to demonstrates ability to use adaptive devices for completion on ADL’s.

Nursing Interventions
  • Observe the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living.
    • Rationale: This will show performance challenges and the level which the patient needs assistance with completing ADL’s.
  • Allow enough time for task performance. DO not rush patient. Involve family and significant others in care activities. Observe activities to ensure patient can perform them safely without assistance.
    • Rationale: Allowing sufficient time preserves the patients energy and increases activity tolerance.

Nursing Diagnosis

Activity intolerance related to muscle weakness

Characterized by:

Subjective Data:

  • Patients say tired after doing the activity.
  • Patients report muscle weakness.

Objective Data:

  • Patient seems tired and listless.
  • Patient was not able to take action to meet their daily needs.
  • Increased pulse.
  • Increased blood pressure.
  • Breathing increases.
  • Decreased muscle strength.
Outcomes
  • Full muscle strength.
  • Atrophy does not occur.
  • Good muscle tone.
  • Patients can perform the activity gradually.
  • Muscle weakness does not occur.
Nursing Interventions
  • Assess the strength of muscles, ptosis, diplopia, eye movement, ability to chew, swallow, cough reflex, talk.
    • Rationale:  The rate of muscle weakness may be different in other parts of the body.
  • Assess muscle strength before and after drug administration.
    • Rationale: Knowing the effects of drug administration.
  • Perform scheduled breaks, keep quiet surroundings.
    • Rationale: Period after the break, increased muscle strength.
  • Encourage participation in treatment.
    • Rationale: Train activity gradually.

Nursing Diagnosis

Impaired verbal communication related to muscle weakness.

Characterized by:

Subjective Data:

  • Patients say difficulty speaking

Data Objective :

  • Patients appear to difficulties in verbal expression.
  • Changes in behavior are not willing to communicate.
  • The use of sign language / body.
Outcomes

Patients expressing themselves verbally or non-verbally.

Nursing Interventions
  • Assess the patient’s ability to speak with the examination of cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X, XII.
    • Rationale: knowing the patient’s ability to speak.
  • Ask a closed question, yes or no or body movements.
    • Rationale: Facilitate patient easily answered.
  • Talk with slow motion.
    • Rationale: Can see the speaker’s lip movements.
  • Use images, paper or other means.
    • Rationale: Using media allows patients to express desire.
  • Inform staff or family, about the limitations of the patient in communication.
    • Rationale: Communication patterns that one would add to the frustration of patients.

Other Nursing Care Plans