5 Autoimmune nervous system disorders

Question 1

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 1

 Loss of coordination/clumsiness
 Speech difficulties
 Hand shaking/tremor
 Loss of bladder/bowel control
 Extreme fatigue
 Sight impairments
 Memory lapses
 Vertigo
 Weakness
 Loss of sensation or changed sensation including pain and tingling

Question 2

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TYPES

Answer 2

1. Relapsing-remitting (RRMS)
2. Secondary progressive (SPMS)
3. Primary progressive (PPMS)

Question 3

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

DIAGNOSIS

Answer 3

 Physical and neurological examination
 Symptoms
 Medical history
 MRI
 Lumbar puncture
 McDonald criteria

Question 4

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TREATMENT

Answer 4

There is no cure for MS

Question 5

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS MANAGEMENT

Answer 5

Drugs can delay the progression of MS and reduce the risk of relapses.
 Symptomatic therapies
 Disease modifying therapies
 Energy conservation
 Supportive therapy
 Maintain nutrition and fluid intake
 Provide bowel and bladder training
 Ensure home safety

Question 6

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NURSING CARE

Answer 6

 Promoting physical mobility
 Preventing injury
 Enhancing bladder and bowel control
 Enhancing communication and managing speech and swallowing difficulties
 Improving sensory and cognitive function
 Improving self care abilities
 Promoting sexual functioning
 Promoting home and community-based care

Question 7

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 7

 Initial manifestation is often in the ocular muscles
 Double vision or blurred vision
 Drooping of one or both eyelids
 Weakness of the muscles of the face
 Changes in facial expression
 Generalised weakness
 Impaired speech
 Difficulty swallowing
 Respiratory failure

Question 8

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Answer 8

 Administration of anticholinesterase medications
 Immunosuppressive therapy
 Plasmapheresis
 Thymectomy

Question 9

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

NURSING CARE

Answer 9

 Neurological examination
 Assistance with ADLs
 Nutritional support
 Skin care
 Patient and family education
 Medication management
 Energy conservation
 Strategies to help with ocular manifestations
 Prevention and management of complications
 Airway and respiratory management

Question 10

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 10

 Progressive, symmetrical muscle weakness
 Tingling or prickling sensation to fingers and toes
 Diminished reflexes
 Unsteady gait
 Respiratory failure
 Severe pain
 Loss of bladder control
 Paralysis

Question 11

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Answer 11

requiring ICU management.
 Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
 Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)
 Symptom management

Question 12

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME

NURSING CARE

Answer 12

 Maintaining respiratory function
 Enhancing physical mobility
 Providing adequate nutrition
 Improving communication
 Decreasing fear and anxiety
 Decreasing pain and discomfort
 Monitoring and managing potential complications
 Promoting home and community-based care

Question 13

multiple sclerosis

Answer 13

A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves. (myelin sheath of the nerve)

Question 14

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Answer 14

antibodies (immune proteins produced by the body’s immune system) block, alter, or destroy the receptors for acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which prevents the muscle from contracting. This is most often caused by antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor itself

Question 15

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME

Answer 15

The immune system attacks the nerves.

The condition may be triggered by an acute bacterial or viral infection.