NRSG 3200 Unit 10 Myasthenia Gravis
updated 2022
Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER An autoimmune disorder affecting the myoneural
junction; characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the voluntary muscles.
In myasthenia gravis, antibodies directed at the _____ receptor sites impair
transmission of impulses across the myoneural junction. Therefore, fewer receptors are
available for stimulation, resulting in ______. - ANSWER acetylcholine; voluntary
muscle weakness.
Of people with myasthenia gravis, ____ have either thymic hyperplasia or a thymic
tumor, and the thymus gland is believed to be the site of antibody production. -
ANSWER 75%
S/S of Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER Diplopia
Ptosis
Altered speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Problems chewing
Limited facial expressions
Generalized weakness
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER Thymic hyperplasia
Thymic tumor
Genetics
Factors that can worsen Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER Fatigue
Illness/Infection
Stress
Some medications
Vigorous physical activity
High environmental temperature
Diagnostic Tests - ANSWER Tensilon test
Ice test
Blood tests for acetylcholine antibodies.
Repetitive nerve stimulation.
EMG
MRI (see enlarged thymus)
Treatment - ANSWER No cure.
Surgery (remove tumor or remove thymus)
IVIG
Plasmapheresis
Anticholinesterase meds
Monoclonal antibody
updated 2022
Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER An autoimmune disorder affecting the myoneural
junction; characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the voluntary muscles.
In myasthenia gravis, antibodies directed at the _____ receptor sites impair
transmission of impulses across the myoneural junction. Therefore, fewer receptors are
available for stimulation, resulting in ______. - ANSWER acetylcholine; voluntary
muscle weakness.
Of people with myasthenia gravis, ____ have either thymic hyperplasia or a thymic
tumor, and the thymus gland is believed to be the site of antibody production. -
ANSWER 75%
S/S of Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER Diplopia
Ptosis
Altered speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Problems chewing
Limited facial expressions
Generalized weakness
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER Thymic hyperplasia
Thymic tumor
Genetics
Factors that can worsen Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER Fatigue
Illness/Infection
Stress
Some medications
Vigorous physical activity
High environmental temperature
Diagnostic Tests - ANSWER Tensilon test
Ice test
Blood tests for acetylcholine antibodies.
Repetitive nerve stimulation.
EMG
MRI (see enlarged thymus)
Treatment - ANSWER No cure.
Surgery (remove tumor or remove thymus)
IVIG
Plasmapheresis
Anticholinesterase meds
Monoclonal antibody
