Problem set study Exam Questions and complete solution
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Myasthenia Gravis Risk Factors - correct answer - The risk factors for myasthenia
gravis (MG) include genetic variants, environmental triggers, and other immunological
factors. Some individuals with genetic differences in acetylcholine receptor genes or
major histocompatibility genes may display genetic predisposition.
According to Beloor and Asuncion (2023), MG is seen most often in women less than 40
years of age or men greater than 50 years of age, though a client of either gender can
develop the condition at any age. Thyroid tumors or thymoma-producing autoantibodies
are seen in 10% of clients with myasthenia gravis. Other triggering factors include
infections, surgeries, or medications.
- Individuals with myasthenia gravis are more likely to have other autoimmune
conditions such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyrotoxicosis.
A nurse practitioner (NP) is reviewing the health history of several clients to identify
those who may be at an increased risk for developing myasthenia gravis (MG). Based
on known risk factors for the condition, which of the following clients should be
monitored for the development of this condition?
- A 24-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- A 49-year-old male with a history of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- A 65-year-old female with a history of thymoma
- A 30-year-old male who is a smoker and consumes alcohol regularly - correct answer
- A 24-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- A 65-year-old female with a history of thymoma
Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Manifestations - correct answer The hallmark of
myasthenia gravis (MG) is muscle weakness that worsens with repeated use and
improves with rest. Initial symptoms often involve ocular muscles, leading to ptosis and
, diplopia. Symptoms may vary throughout the day and are precipitated by any stressful
event(s), including infection, surgeries, stress, medications, or worsening illnesses.
Signs and Symptoms - correct answer - Ocular muscle weakness: This includes
ptosis, diplopia, and ocular palsies.
- Bulbar muscle weakness: This can include facial droop, lack of facial expression,
difficulty chewing and swallowing, drooling, choking, aspiration, and speech changes.
- Limb weakness: This can include reduced arm and leg strength. Less frequently, it can
also include neck, shoulder, and hip flexor involvement.
A myasthenia crisis may occur when the condition is untreated or undertreated. Muscle
weakness involves the intercostal muscles and/or diaphragm and is considered a
medical emergency because of the inability to breathe without assistance.
Tip: Myasthenia gravis has no autonomic symptoms as it only affects the nicotinic
acetylcholine receptors. Another diagnosis should be suspected in a client experiencing
sweating, flushing, and bowel or bladder problems.
A nurse practitioner (NP) is evaluating a 40-year-old client who presents with complaints
of variable muscle weakness that has been worsening over the past few months. The
client reports that the symptoms are more pronounced towards the evening and
improve significantly after periods of rest. Based on the suspicion of myasthenia gravis,
which of the following clinical manifestations should the NP expect to find during the
assessment? Select all that apply.
- Muscle weakness that improves with exercise
- Increased muscle tone and rigidity
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Hyperreflexia
- Ptosis
- Intermittent diplopia - correct answer - Difficulty chewing and swallowing