The nurse is caring for a patient with Parkinson's Disease.
While writing the care plan for the patient, what would be an appropriate diagnosis?

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

Platelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting. However, it is not specific to monitoring the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Choice B rationale

Activated thromboplastin time (APT) measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is typically used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.

Choice C rationale

Red blood count (RBC) measures the number of red blood cells in the blood, which can indicate anemia but is unrelated to the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Choice D rationale

Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) are specific tests used to monitor the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot, and INR standardizes this measurement to ensure consistency across different laboratories.