Concepts Exam #2 Ch 44 Flashcards
Guillain-Barre syndrom (GBS)
acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy that affects the axons of peripheral nervous system, causing motor weakness and abnormalities in sensory perception.
demyelination
destruction of the myelin sheath
Paresthesias
unpleasant sensations such as burning, stinging, and prickly feeling.
Plasmapheresis
Removes circulating antibodies thought to be responsible for Guillain Barre syndrome from plasma, blood is returned to patient.
If a shunt is used for plasmapheresis be sure to..
Check shunt patency by assessing for bruit or thrill q 2-4 hours.
Keep double bulldog clamps at the bedside.
Observe access site for bleeding or bruising.
Myasthenia gravis (MG)
Acquired autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness.
Ptosis
Drooping eyelids
Diplopia
Double vision
Dysphagia
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Eaton-Lambert syndrome
form of myasthenia often seen with small cell carcinoma of the lung, muscles of trunk and pelvid and shoulder girdles are affected.
Thyrotoxicosis
Excessive thyroid hormone
Cholinergic crisis
too much cholinsterase inhibitor drugs
Myasthenic crisis
too little cholinesterase inhibitor drugs
Fasciculations
Muscle twitching
Thymectomy
Removal of thymus gland
Drug alert for Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs
Instruct patient to eat meals 45 min- 1 hr after taking drug to avoid aspiration. Drugs containing magnesium or morphine should be avoided because they increase pt weakness
Teaching for myasthenic patients
Respiratory compromise often occurs, family should learn CPR, and have suctioning and oxygen at home.
Facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)
Paralysis of cranial nerve 7 . and sometimes 5 (Trigeminal) and 7 (Vestibulocochlear/auditory)
