A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about orthostatic hypotension. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A) Hypoxemia:
This is the correct answer. Atelectasis, which is the collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung, can lead to impaired gas exchange and subsequent hypoxemia. As lung volume decreases due to collapse, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch occurs, resulting in decreased oxygenation of arterial blood. Hypoxemia is a common finding in individuals with atelectasis and may manifest as decreased oxygen saturation levels on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis.

B) Apnea:
Apnea, defined as the cessation of breathing, is not typically associated with atelectasis. While atelectasis can contribute to respiratory compromise and may result in respiratory distress, including tachypnea or increased work of breathing, it does not usually lead to complete cessation of breathing.

C) Pleural effusion:
A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. While pleural effusion may occur concurrently with atelectasis, it is not an expected finding specifically associated with atelectasis itself. Pleural effusion may cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea or chest pain but is not a primary manifestation of atelectasis.

D) Dysphagia:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is unrelated to atelectasis. While dysphagia can occur as a result of various conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological control of swallowing, it is not a typical manifestation of atelectasis. Atelectasis primarily affects the lungs and respiratory function rather than swallowing function.

A) Is it caused by demyelination of the nerve fibers:
Myasthenia gravis is not primarily caused by demyelination of nerve fibers. It is characterized by dysfunction at the neuromuscular junction, specifically involving the acetylcholine receptors.

B) Is it thought to be an autoimmune disease:
This is correct. Myasthenia gravis is considered an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks its own tissues, particularly the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

C) It is associated with destruction of acetylcholine receptor sites:
This is correct. In myasthenia gravis, there is a reduction in the number of functional acetylcholine receptors due to autoimmune-mediated destruction or blocking of these receptors.

D) Once symptoms present, it has a 5-year survival rate:
This statement is inaccurate. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition, but survival rates are not determined by the onset of symptoms. With appropriate treatment, many individuals with myasthenia gravis can manage their symptoms effectively and have a normal life expectancy.

E) It is a chronic and progressive muscular disease:
This is correct. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disorder characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue. While it is chronic, it is not necessarily progressive in all cases, as symptoms may stabilize or improve with treatment.

F) Is it best treated with antibiotics:
Antibiotics are not the primary treatment for myasthenia gravis. Treatment typically involves medications that enhance neuromuscular transmission, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or immunosuppressive drugs, along with other supportive measures.