Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

The client with myasthenia gravis has become increasingly weaker. The physician prepares to identify whether the client is reacting to an overdose of the medication (cholinergic crisis) or an increasing severity of the disease (myasthenic crisis). An injection of edrophonium (Tensilon) is administered. Which of the following would indicate that the client is in cholinergic crisis?

  • A. No change in the condition
  • B. An improvement of the weakness
  • C. Complaints of muscle spasms
  • D. A temporary worsening of the condition
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: An improvement of the weakness. Edrophonium is a short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor that helps differentiate between myasthenic and cholinergic crises in myasthenia gravis. In cholinergic crisis, there is an overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors leading to excessive acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness. Administering edrophonium will temporarily improve muscle weakness in cholinergic crisis due to the increased availability of acetylcholine. The other choices are incorrect because: A: No change suggests the client is not in cholinergic crisis. C: Complaints of muscle spasms are more indicative of myasthenic crisis. D: A temporary worsening of the condition is not expected in cholinergic crisis.