A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine.

Which of the following food recommendations should the nurse make? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Tightening the tubing connections may be necessary if there is a leak in the ventilator system, but it does not address the high-pressure alarm issue. The nurse needs to address the immediate alarm situation first.

Choice B rationale:

Requesting insertion of a tracheostomy tube is not the appropriate action for a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Tracheostomy tube insertion is a significant procedure that is not indicated solely based on a high-pressure alarm.

Choice C rationale:

Suctioning the client's airway is the correct action for a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. The alarm indicates an obstruction in the airway, and suctioning can help clear any secretions or blockages, allowing the client to breathe more effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Looking for a leak in the tube's cuff may be necessary if the high-pressure alarm persists after suctioning and checking connections. Identifying and repairing any leaks can prevent further issues with ventilation. However, immediate action should be taken to clear the airway first, as indicated by suctioning.

a. Improves muscle strength.

Explanation:

Neostigmine is a medication used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). It belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. Neostigmine works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmiter involved in muscle contraction. In MG, there is a decrease in the amount of acetylcholine available at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

By inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, neostigmine helps to increase the concentration of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This, in turn, improves muscle strength and can alleviate the symptoms of weakness and fatigue associated with MG.

Option b, destroying the antibodies that cause MG, is not accurate. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antibodies that interfere with neuromuscular transmission.

Neostigmine does not directly target or eliminate these antibodies.

Option c, enhancing immune system function, is not accurate either. Neostigmine primarily acts on the neuromuscular junction to improve muscle strength and does not have a direct effect on immune system function.

Option d, preventing excessive coughing, is not the primary action of neostigmine. While increased muscle strength may indirectly improve respiratory function and reduce coughing in individuals with myasthenia gravis, it is not the primary indication or action of neostigmine.

Therefore, the most accurate information to include in teaching about neostigmine for a client with myasthenia gravis is that it improves muscle strength.