A patient is diagnosed as having elevated cholesterol level.
The nurse is aware that plaque on the inner lumen of arteries begins as what?

Choice A rationale

Myasthenia gravis primarily affects voluntary muscles, especially those involved in breathing and facial movements. Gastrointestinal (GI) and lower extremity muscles are generally not the main muscles affected by this condition. It is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the neuromuscular junction, where nerves communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Choice B rationale

The central nervous system (CNS), memory, and cognition are not typically impacted by myasthenia gravis. This disorder primarily involves peripheral nervous system issues that affect voluntary muscle control rather than cognitive functions. Myasthenia gravis does not cause alterations in memory or cognition as seen with central nervous system disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Choice C rationale

Myasthenia gravis notably affects respiratory and facial muscles. The autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors leads to muscle weakness, particularly in muscles controlling eye movements, facial expressions, and breathing. Patients may experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, and maintaining an open airway due to this muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale

The cardiovascular system and postural muscles are not commonly affected by myasthenia gravis. This condition involves the neuromuscular junction and leads to fatigue in voluntary muscles, primarily those involved in eye movement, facial expressions, and respiration. Cardiovascular symptoms are not a direct consequence of myasthenia gravis.

Choice A rationale

Peripheral edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided. This is because right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion, causing fluid to accumulate in the peripheral tissues, particularly in the legs and ankles.

Choice B rationale

Pulmonary edema is a major concern in left-sided heart failure due to the inability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood out to the systemic circulation. This results in blood backing up into the pulmonary veins, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Choice C rationale

Liver edema, or hepatomegaly, is more typically seen in right-sided heart failure, where the failure of the right ventricle causes blood to back up into the systemic circulation, affecting the liver and other organs.

Choice D rationale

Abdominal edema, or ascites, is also more associated with right-sided heart failure. This condition occurs due to increased pressure in the veins and capillaries, leading to fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity.