Nursing Process Questions Related

Review Nursing Process Questions related questions and content

The client is suspected of having myasthenia gravis. Edrophonium (Tensilon) 2 mg is administered intravenously to determine the diagnosis. Which of the following indicates that the client has myasthenia gravis?

  • A. Joint pain following administration of the medication
  • B. Feelings of faintness, dizziness, hypotension, and signs of flushing in the client
  • C. A decrease in muscle strength within 30 to 60 seconds following administration of the medication.
  • D. An increase in muscle strength within 30 to 60 seconds following administration of the medication
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because in myasthenia gravis, which is characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, the administration of edrophonium will temporarily improve muscle strength due to increased availability of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This improvement should be noted within 30 to 60 seconds after the administration of the medication.

Choice A is incorrect because joint pain is not a typical response to edrophonium in the context of myasthenia gravis.

Choice B is incorrect because feelings of faintness, dizziness, hypotension, and flushing are more indicative of a cholinergic crisis, which occurs when too much edrophonium is administered.

Choice D is incorrect because an increase in muscle strength post-edrophonium administration would not be expected in a client with myasthenia gravis.