A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) and a prescription for neostigmine. Which of the following information should the nurse include about the action of the medication?
Improves muscle strength.
Destroys the antibodies that cause MG
Enhances immune system function
Prevents excessive coughing
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A is correct because aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy and guides dosage adjustments.
- B is incorrect because PT (prothrombin time) measures the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, not heparin.
- C is incorrect because INR (international normalized ratio) is a standardized version of PT that also monitors warfarin therapy, not heparin.
- D is incorrect because WBC count (white blood cell count) measures the body's immune response and has no relation to heparin therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Beginning ball squeezing exercises is not advisable immediately after a modified radical mastectomy. The client's arm on the affected side needs time to heal, and strenuous exercises can strain the surgical site, increase pain, and potentially disrupt the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Wearing a bra with wire support is not recommended, especially in the early postoperative period. Underwire bras can irritate the surgical site and interfere with the healing process. Patients are usually advised to wear soft, non-underwire bras or special post-surgical bras designed for comfort and support.
Choice C rationale:
Avoiding the use of the affected arm for eating is the correct instruction. Protecting the surgical site and preventing strain is essential for proper healing. Encouraging the client to use the opposite arm for activities like eating can minimize movement in the affected area, reducing the risk of complications.
Choice D rationale:
Using deodorant under the affected arm is not recommended immediately after surgery. The surgical site needs to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing. Deodorants, especially those containing chemicals or fragrances, can irritate the skin and increase the risk of complications. Patients are usually advised to avoid applying any products to the surgical area until it is fully healed.
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