NDD-GBS

Question 1

What is GBS?

Answer 1

An inflammatory disease that causes demyelination of axons in peripheral nerves.

Question 2

What is the cause of GBS?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

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

Answer 3

True

Question 4

T or F: Although it is infrequent, people can develop GBS after being vaccinated.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What is the age of onset for GBS?

Answer 5

Most often in adults 20-24 and 70-74 years

Question 6

Which sex is at a higher risk for GBS?

Answer 6

Men are at a slightly higher risk than women

Question 7

Approx how many people have GBS in the US?

Answer 7

3,000-6,000

Question 8

How many phases are there for GBS?

Answer 8

Three

Question 9

What are the three phases of GBS?

Answer 9

Onset and acute inflammatory phase, plateau phase, and recovery phase

Question 10

What happens during the onset and acute inflammatory phase of GBS?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What happens during the plateau phase of GBS?

Answer 11

symptoms are at their most disabling, with little or no change over a few days or weeks.

Question 12

What happens during the recovery phase of GBS?

Answer 12

remyelination and axonal regeneration occurs over a period as long as 2 years

Question 13

Where does recovery typically start?

Answer 13

At the head and neck and travel distally

Question 14

How much recovery is possible with GBS?

Answer 14

Most people experience significant if not complete return of function, with fatigue as the most commonly reported residual symptom.

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

With GBS there is a rapid progression of symptoms, typically in a symmetrical ascending patten of flaccid paralysis that begins in the feet.

Question 16

T or F: Paralysis does not occur in the respiratory muscles.

Answer 16

False, it may occur in the respiratory muscles.

Question 17

Where does a client with GBS mostly experience pain?

Answer 17

lower extremities

Question 18

A client with GBS may experience a loss of which reflexes?

Answer 18

deep tendon reflexes

Question 19

What symptom of GBS is known as “glove-and-stocking distribution”?

Answer 19

mild sensory loss in the hands and legs

Question 20

T or F: Clients with GBS may experience bladder dysfunction, fatigue and edema

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Dysfunction of the cranial nerves for clients with GBS may result in?

Answer 21

facial palsy

Question 22

What is postural hypotension?

Answer 22

When one rises from a horizontal position, blood pressure may drop to precariously low levels

Question 23

What are some symptoms of GBS associated with the ANS?

Answer 23

postural hypotension, arrhythmias, facial flushing, diarrhea, impotence, urinary retention and increased sweating

Question 24

Is there a cure for GBS?

Answer 24

No and the rate of recovery is variable. 50% fully recover, 35% report residual weakness and 15% have more permanent dysfunction

Question 25

What is the most frequently reported symptom of people with GBS?

Answer 25

Fatigue is reported by 93% of people with GBS

Question 26

Can minor cognition difficulties occur in clients with GBS? If so, give some examples of cognition difficulties.

Answer 26

Yes, impaired executive functioning, short term memory and decision making

Question 27

When do clients with GBS get referred to OTs?

Answer 27

When GBS is moderate to severe, typically involving 40% of those affected

Question 28

What are some areas that are screened and evaluated in a client with GBS in the plateau phase?

Answer 28

communication, control of the physical environment, comfort and positioning and anxiety management

Question 29

What are some areas that are screened and evaluated in a client with GBS in the recovery phase?

Answer 29

mobility, self-care and ADLs, communication, leisure, and workplaces and community reintegrations; typically occurs in inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and home or work settings.

Question 30

T or F: In the plateau phase, modifications are deemed permanent

Answer 30

False, they’re deemed temporary

Question 31

T or F: Clients with GBS in the recovery phase may benefit from dynamic splints

Answer 31

True, to help maintain ROM, especially for the wrist, fingers, and ankle

Question 32

Intervention for clients with GBS in the recovery phase should

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

You should adapt a telephone for hands free use for clients with GBS in the plateau phase.

Answer 33

true