Why should you focus your nursing care to breathing in a patient with myasthenia gravis?
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Myasthenia gravis is a rare long-term neurological condition that is characterised by fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue, as well as respiratory difficulties. It is both an acquired autoimmune disease and a chronic neuromuscular disorder. Because of its rarity, myasthenia gravis is relatively unknown and may be unfamiliar to many nurses. While there are various types of myasthenia, this article focuses on myasthenia gravis, exploring its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and examining the nurse’s role in managing the condition. The symptoms of myasthenic crisis and cholinergic crisis are also explained, and the experience of patients with myasthenia gravis in hospital and community settings is illustrated using case studies. Nursing Standard. 31, 43, 42-47. doi: 10.7748/ns.2017.e10434 Correspondence
Peer review This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software Conflict of interest None declared Received: 31 January 2016 Accepted: 09 August 2016 Want to read more?Already subscribed? Log inORUnlock full access to RCNi Plus todaySave over 50% on your first 3 monthsYour subscription package includes:
Subscribe RCN student member? Try Nursing Standard StudentAlternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now Or OverviewMyasthenia gravis (say "MI-ess-thin-e-a GRAH-viss") is muscle weakness that often gets better when you rest and gets worse with activity. You can start the day feeling strong, but after a little activity, you find yourself feeling weak. It may be hard to talk or to keep your eyes focused, and your eyelids may droop. This problem starts when the immune system attacks the body's own muscle cells. The immune system is supposed to fight off viruses and other germs, but sometimes it turns on the person's own body. (This is called autoimmune disease.) Myasthenia gravis most often affects the muscles that control eye and facial movement and those that help us chew and swallow. Your doctor may prescribe medicine that can help improve your muscle weakness. The doctor may recommend that you have surgery to remove the thymus gland, which may improve your immune system problem and help you regain your strength. There are other treatments that can help if you have repeated periods of weakness. Some people have periods of time with mild or no symptoms. This is called remission. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help? Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter D154 in the search box to learn more about "Myasthenia Gravis: Care Instructions". How does myasthenia affect breathing?The most serious complications of myasthenia gravis is a myasthenia crisis. This is a condition of extreme muscle weakness, particularly of the diaphragm and chest muscles that support breathing. Breathing may become shallow or ineffective.
What is the nursing management for myasthenia gravis?Nursing Interventions
Monitor respiratory status and ability to cough and deep breathe adequately. Monitor for respiratory failure. Maintain suctioning and emergency equipment at the bedside. Monitor vital signs.
What is the priority in myasthenia gravis?Nursing priorities for patients with acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis are reviewed. Three key aspects of care are discussed: assessment of weakness, knowledge of treatments and medications, and understanding the need for patient education and support.
What are the interventions done to address the myasthenia gravis?Treatment may include: oxygen through a face mask. using a breathing machine (ventilator) intravenous immunoglobulin therapy – a treatment made from donated blood, which improves muscle strength by temporarily changing how your immune system works.
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