Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
Acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal fatigability of striated (skeletal) muscles.
What are the two forms of Myasthenia Gravis?
- Ocular
- Generalized
What are the five classes of Myasthenia Gravis?
- Class I: Ocular weakness
- Class II: Mild generalized weakness
- Class III: Moderate generalized weakness
- Class IV: Severe generalized weakness
- Class V: Need for intubation
What is the hallmark symptom of Myasthenia Gravis?
Muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest.
What are common muscles affected by Myasthenia Gravis?
- Eye and eyelid movement
- Facial expressions
- Chewing
- Talking
- Swallowing
What is a myasthenic crisis?
A medical emergency when muscles that control breathing weaken, requiring a ventilator.
What can trigger a myasthenic crisis?
- Infection
- Stress
- Surgery
- Adverse reaction to medication
What is the role of antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis?
Antibodies block, destroy, or weaken neuroreceptors, primarily acetylcholine.
What is the effect of Myasthenia Gravis on acetylcholine receptors?
The number of acetylcholine receptors in the postsynaptic muscle membrane is decreased.
What medications are used in the management of Myasthenia Gravis?
- Anticholinesterase agents
- Immunosuppressants
- Corticosteroids
- Plasmapheresis and Intravenous immunoglobulin
- Monoclonal antibody
- Thymectomy
What should be avoided to manage Myasthenia Gravis?
Drugs that may exacerbate the disease, such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, neuromuscular blocking agents, magnesium sulfate, penicillamine, and telithromycin.
What is a cholinergic crisis?
An acute exacerbation of muscle weakness caused by overmedication with cholinergic anticholinesterase drugs.
What are symptoms of a cholinergic crisis?
- Muscle twitching
- Respiratory compromise
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Miosis
Fill in the blank: A myasthenic crisis may be triggered by _______.
[infection, stress, surgery, adverse reaction to medication]
True or False: Diplopia is a side effect of pyridostigmine.
True
What visual abnormalities should a nurse recognize as side effects of pyridostigmine?
- Blurred vision
- Strabismus
- Diplopia
- Hyperopia
- Miosis
Which symptoms should a nurse include for recognizing a cholinergic crisis?
- Dyspnea
- Diaphoresis
- Diarrhea
