Question

6. Wha why hu CASE STUDIES Case Study 1 A patient who is receiving a reversible cholinester- ase inhibitor for myasthenia gravis is brought into the emergency department by his family because of extreme muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. 1. In this situation, why is it important to determine if the cause of the weakness is myasthenic crisis versus cholinergic crisis? 2. What assessments should the nurse perform? What questions should the nurse ask the patient and family? Why? Conuricht © 2016, Els

Answer 1

CASE STUDIES Case Study 1 A patient who is receiving a reversible cholinester- ase inhibitor for myasthenia gravis is brought into the emergency department by his family because of extreme muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. 1. In this situation, why is it important to determine if the cause of the weakness is myasthenic crisis versus cholinergic crisis? It is important to identify the cause of the weakness, i.e. whether it is the myasthenia crisis or the cholinergic crisis as the treatment is different for these situations. The myasthenic crisis is treated by the administration of immunoglobulins. The cholinergic crisis is treated by the administration of atropine and oximes. 2. What assessments should the nurse perform? What questions should the nurse ask the patient and family? Why? The nurse have to check the patient's dose of cholinergic inhibitor being used. The administered dose must be calculated and check it for the toxic dose range. The family members must be asked about the other drug administered to the patient. The nurse should also have to assess the breathing pattern and provde the necessary medical support.