NDD-GBS Flashcards
What is GBS?
An inflammatory disease that causes demyelination of axons in peripheral nerves.
What is the cause of GBS?
unknown, evidence has disproved genetic vulnerability or vaccinations as a possible cause, but some suggestion exists that previous viral infections, enteritis, respiratory tract infections, and HIV/AIDs may precede GBS
T or F: A bacterial infection (Campylobacter jejuni) is one of the most common risk factors of GBS but people can develop GBS after having the flu or other infections
True
T or F: Although it is infrequent, people can develop GBS after being vaccinated.
True
What is the age of onset for GBS?
Most often in adults 20-24 and 70-74 years
Which sex is at a higher risk for GBS?
Men are at a slightly higher risk than women
Approx how many people have GBS in the US?
3,000-6,000
How many phases are there for GBS?
Three
What are the three phases of GBS?
Onset and acute inflammatory phase, plateau phase, and recovery phase
What happens during the onset and acute inflammatory phase of GBS?
Acute weakness occurs in at least two extremities that advances and reaches its maximum in 2-4 weeks; 20-30% of people with GBS need mechanical ventilation
What happens during the plateau phase of GBS?
symptoms are at their most disabling, with little or no change over a few days or weeks.
What happens during the recovery phase of GBS?
remyelination and axonal regeneration occurs over a period as long as 2 years
Where does recovery typically start?
At the head and neck and travel distally
How much recovery is possible with GBS?
Most people experience significant if not complete return of function, with fatigue as the most commonly reported residual symptom.
With GBS there is a slow/rapid progression of symptoms, typically in a symmetrical/asymmetrical ascending patten of flaccid/spastic paralysis that begins in the arms/feet.
With GBS there is a rapid progression of symptoms, typically in a symmetrical ascending patten of flaccid paralysis that begins in the feet.
T or F: Paralysis does not occur in the respiratory muscles.
False, it may occur in the respiratory muscles.
Where does a client with GBS mostly experience pain?
lower extremities
A client with GBS may experience a loss of which reflexes?
deep tendon reflexes
What symptom of GBS is known as “glove-and-stocking distribution”?
mild sensory loss in the hands and legs
T or F: Clients with GBS may experience bladder dysfunction, fatigue and edema
True
Dysfunction of the cranial nerves for clients with GBS may result in?
facial palsy
What is postural hypotension?
When one rises from a horizontal position, blood pressure may drop to precariously low levels
What are some symptoms of GBS associated with the ANS?
postural hypotension, arrhythmias, facial flushing, diarrhea, impotence, urinary retention and increased sweating
Is there a cure for GBS?
No and the rate of recovery is variable. 50% fully recover, 35% report residual weakness and 15% have more permanent dysfunction
What is the most frequently reported symptom of people with GBS?
Fatigue is reported by 93% of people with GBS
Can minor cognition difficulties occur in clients with GBS? If so, give some examples of cognition difficulties.
Yes, impaired executive functioning, short term memory and decision making
When do clients with GBS get referred to OTs?
When GBS is moderate to severe, typically involving 40% of those affected
What are some areas that are screened and evaluated in a client with GBS in the plateau phase?
communication, control of the physical environment, comfort and positioning and anxiety management
What are some areas that are screened and evaluated in a client with GBS in the recovery phase?
mobility, self-care and ADLs, communication, leisure, and workplaces and community reintegrations; typically occurs in inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and home or work settings.
T or F: In the plateau phase, modifications are deemed permanent
False, they’re deemed temporary
T or F: Clients with GBS in the recovery phase may benefit from dynamic splints
True, to help maintain ROM, especially for the wrist, fingers, and ankle
Intervention for clients with GBS in the recovery phase should
provide strategies for energy conservation and fatigue management, develop a client-centered fine motor program to maximize strength, coordination and sensation in the hands and fingers, complete home assessment, educate client on AE and behavior modification techniques, adapt modes of communication on the basis of the client’s priorities, suggest modified techniques for self-care and other adaptations for the client’s daily routine, instruct the client in safe mobility with appropriate assistive devices, help improve functional transfers, design activities and dynamic splints to maintain ROM.
You should adapt a telephone for hands free use for clients with GBS in the plateau phase.
true
