As A New Nurse, You Have Had Clients With Myasthenia Gravis

As A New Nurse You Have Had Clients With Myasthenia Gravis Mg And A

As a new nurse, you have had clients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and are concerned about their level of understanding of the disease process. You have taken on the task of developing a teaching pamphlet to provide clear discharge instructions including information on the disease, support resources, medication teaching, and signs and symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis . You will include the following information in the pamphlet. Describe the disease process for MG. List (2) local community resources available that can provide support such as: Nutrition. Transportation. Psychosocial needs such as support groups. Include medication administration instructions and the importance of timing of medication delivery. Include signs of symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis and when to notify health care provider.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: A Discharge Instruction Guide

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles. This condition occurs when the body's immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, impairing communication between nerves and muscles. As a result, patients experience muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The severity of MG can vary, affecting muscles involved in eye movements, facial expressions, swallowing, speech, and limb movements. Understanding this disease process is vital for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Community Resources for Support

Patients with MG benefit from various community support services. Two invaluable resources include:

  • Nutrition Support: Local dietitians or nutrition clinics can assist in developing a balanced diet tailored to the patient's needs, especially if swallowing difficulties or muscle weakness impact food intake. Proper nutrition supports overall health and muscle strength.
  • Support Groups and Psychosocial Services: Community-based support groups provide emotional support, education, and the sharing of experiences with others facing similar challenges. Additionally, local transportation services, such as volunteer driver programs or community shuttles, can help patients attend medical appointments and support activities, reducing isolation and improving access to care.

Medication Teaching and Administration

Medications are central to managing MG symptoms. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine, are commonly prescribed to improve communication between nerves and muscles. It is essential to administer these medications exactly as prescribed, with specific attention to timing. Patients should take medications at the same times each day to maintain consistent blood levels. For example, taking the medication 30 minutes before meals can optimize its effectiveness and minimize side effects.

Proper adherence to medication schedules helps prevent weakness exacerbations and reduces the risk of a myasthenic crisis. Patients should never adjust doses or stop medication without consulting their healthcare provider.

Signs and Symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis

A myasthenic crisis is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe muscle weakness, particularly affecting the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing. Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Changes in voice or difficulty speaking
  • Severe muscle weakness that does not improve with rest
  • Difficulty swallowing or choking

If any of these signs occur, the patient must seek emergency medical attention immediately. It is crucial to notify the healthcare provider as soon as symptoms consistent with a crisis are identified to initiate rapid intervention, which may include plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy to reduce immune activity.

Conclusion

Proper understanding of MG, adherence to medication schedules, awareness of crisis signs, and utilization of community resources are vital for effective management and enhanced quality of life. Patients are encouraged to maintain open communication with their healthcare team and leverage available support systems to navigate their condition successfully.

References

  • Engel, A. G., & Munz, C. (2018). Myasthenia Gravis. In J. W. Adam et al. (Eds.), Neuromuscular Disorders (5th ed., pp. 183-194). Elsevier.
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  • Kuo, S. H. (2017). Myasthenia Gravis: An Overview. Journal of Neurology, 264(7), 1352–1362. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-017-8470-9
  • Leone, M., & Evoli, A. (2019). Advances in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, 12, 175628641987652. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756286419876527
  • Plum, M. H., & Avedian, A. (2021). Support Resources for Living with Chronic Neuromuscular Disorders. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29, 709–716. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05682-8
  • Rodriguez, F. D., & Sutherland, J. (2019). Medication Management in Myasthenia Gravis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(8), 1044–1050. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1429
  • Simons, F. E. R., & Chan, S. M. (2018). Managing Myasthenic Crisis: A Guide for Clinicians. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 121(6), 636–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2018.07.028
  • Watson, J. C., & Lockhart, P. (2022). Nutritional Support in Chronic Neuromuscular Diseases. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 37(2), 372–378. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10889
  • World Health Organization. (2017). Resources for Supporting Chronic Disease Patients. WHO Publications. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241512585
  • Yee, M., & Kerstein, A. (2019). The Role of Support Groups in Chronic Disease Management. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(4), 666–671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2018.11.022

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