Which of the following clients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis would the nurse identify as most at risk for developing a cholinergic crisis? A client who
reports taking an extra dose each day of their anticholinesterase medication.
is experiencing a respiratory infection and is short of breath.
has a family history of autoimmune disorders.
has a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Reports taking an extra dose each day of their anticholinesterase medication."
This client is at highest risk for developing a cholinergic crisis. A cholinergic crisis occurs when there is overdose or excessive stimulation of acetylcholine receptors due to too much anticholinesterase medication. Symptoms include muscle weakness, respiratory distress, salivation, sweating, and bradycardia. Taking an extra dose of the medication can result in an overdose of acetylcholine, triggering these symptoms. Therefore, this client is at the greatest risk for a cholinergic crisis.
B. "Is experiencing a respiratory infection and is short of breath."
While respiratory infections can worsen symptoms of myasthenia gravis due to increased muscle weakness, this client is not directly at risk for a cholinergic crisis. Respiratory infections can increase the risk of myasthenic crisis, which is a different complication where muscle weakness worsens to the point of respiratory failure. A myasthenic crisis is caused by insufficient anticholinesterase medication or a disease exacerbation, not an overdose.
C. "Has a family history of autoimmune disorders."
A family history of autoimmune disorders may suggest a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases, but it does not increase the risk of a cholinergic crisis specifically. The risk of a cholinergic crisis is more directly related to medication management, not family history.
D. "Has a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus."
Type 2 diabetes mellitus does not directly increase the risk of a cholinergic crisis. While diabetes may influence overall health and immune function, it does not have a direct impact on anticholinesterase therapy or the risk of cholinergic crisis in myasthenia gravis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Expect fluctuations of symptoms with temperature change: While symptom fluctuations may occur due to various factors, temperature changes are not a hallmark feature of Huntington's Disease (HD). HD is characterized by progressive motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms, including involuntary movements (chorea), cognitive decline, and mood disturbances. Although other neurological conditions may show symptom fluctuations with temperature changes, this is not specific to HD.
B. New surgical techniques offer the best hope for a cure: There are currently no cures for Huntington's Disease, and while medical management can help manage symptoms (such as using medications for chorea or psychiatric symptoms), surgical techniques do not offer a cure for HD. The disease is progressive, and interventions typically focus on symptom management rather than cure. Families should be informed that while research is ongoing, a cure is not currently available.
C. Information about genetic testing: Huntington's Disease (HD) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a person with a parent who has HD has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. Genetic testing is a critical part of the diagnosis process, and it can confirm the presence of the mutated gene before symptoms appear, which is important for family planning and early intervention. However, while genetic testing can provide information about whether an individual will develop the disease, it does not alter the course of the disease or provide a cure. It is essential to provide this information to clients and families, so they understand the role of genetic counseling and testing in managing the disease.
D. The disease process is intense but short in duration: Huntington's Disease is progressive and long-lasting. The disease usually begins in mid-adulthood (typically between ages 30-50), and the symptoms worsen over time. Individuals with HD may live for 15-20 years after symptom onset. The disease duration is long-term, not short, and it becomes increasingly debilitating as it progresses. The intensity of symptoms increases over time, and the disease is not characterized by a short duration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hand washing before and after client contact: The most important infection control guideline when caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is on a ventilator is hand hygiene. This is because ventilated patients are at high risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other infections. Hand washing is the most effective method of preventing the spread of pathogens that could lead to nosocomial infections. The nurse should perform proper hand hygiene both before and after any patient interaction, as this is critical in preventing the transmission of bacteria or viruses, especially in patients with compromised respiratory systems.
Explanation of each option:
B. Placement of an indwelling urinary catheter using sterile technique:
While using sterile technique when placing an indwelling urinary catheter is essential to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), it is not the top priority for infection control in this situation. The primary concern for infection in ARDS patients who are on mechanical ventilation is preventing respiratory infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Although catheter-associated infections should be prevented, the most immediate concern is preventing respiratory-related infections.
C. Initiate neutropenic precautions:
Neutropenic precautions are important for patients who have immunocompromised conditions (such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with bone marrow suppression) to protect them from infections. However, ARDS does not necessarily compromise the immune system in the same way. The priority infection control measure for a patient on a ventilator with ARDS is preventing respiratory infections. Therefore, neutropenic precautions would not be the most relevant or highest priority in this case.
D. Clean technique with central IV line care:
Maintaining clean technique with central intravenous (IV) line care is important to prevent infections, such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). However, the most critical infection control measure for a patient on a ventilator with ARDS is still to focus on preventing respiratory infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). While IV line care is important, it is secondary to preventing respiratory tract infections in this scenario.
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