A client with history of myasthenia gravis is experiencing prolonged periods of weakness and difficulty breathing. The provider orders an edrophonium [Tensilon] test. Once the dose is administered, the client becomes weaker. The nurse interprets this test result as:

A normal finding.

A myasthenia gravis crisis due to drug undermedication

An allergic reaction.

A cholinergic crisis due to drug overmedication

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) A normal finding:
A normal finding during an edrophonium (Tensilon) test is an improvement in muscle strength for clients with myasthenia gravis (MG). If the client becomes weaker after the dose, it indicates that the test results are not typical and suggest a different issue, not a normal response. This is not a normal finding.

B) A myasthenia gravis crisis due to drug undermedication:
In a myasthenic crisis, the client experiences severe weakness and respiratory difficulty, typically due to insufficient medication (e.g., pyridostigmine). While a myasthenic crisis could cause weakness and respiratory distress, the edrophonium test would typically show improvement in muscle strength if the crisis is due to undermedication. Since the client became weaker after receiving edrophonium, this is not indicative of a myasthenic crisis.

C) An allergic reaction:
An allergic reaction to the edrophonium test would typically result in symptoms such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing due to hypersensitivity, but it does not typically cause weakness as the primary response. The worsening of symptoms after the test is more likely related to drug overmedication rather than an allergic reaction.

D) A cholinergic crisis due to drug overmedication:
A cholinergic crisis occurs when there is an overdose of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine or neostigmine), which can lead to excessive acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscle weakness and respiratory failure. The edrophonium test helps differentiate between a myasthenic crisis and a cholinergic crisis. If the client becomes weaker after the administration of edrophonium, it suggests a cholinergic crisis due to drug overmedication.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Inability to void:
While urinary retention or difficulties with voiding can occur in ALS patients due to weakened muscles affecting the bladder, it is not the most immediate or life-threatening symptom that requires urgent attention. ALS primarily affects motor neurons and the voluntary muscles, and while autonomic dysfunction can lead to bladder or bowel issues, these are typically not the first concern in the acute phase of ALS unless they are severe.

B) Unable to eat without thickening meals:
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common symptom in ALS, especially as the disease progresses and affects the muscles of the throat. While this symptom is important to address, it is manageable with interventions like speech therapy, modified diets, and thickened liquids

C) Loss of function in the lower extremity:
Loss of function in the lower extremities is a hallmark symptom of ALS as the disease progresses, but it is not an acute or life-threatening situation on its own. ALS leads to gradual muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly affecting voluntary motor functions.

D) Difficulty breathing:
As ALS progresses, respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, weaken, which can lead to respiratory failure. The inability to breathe adequately can be life-threatening and may require interventions like mechanical ventilation, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP), or even a tracheostomy.

A. The UAP stands by the patient's bed for 60 minutes talking with the patient. B. The UAP gives the patient a saline mouthwash to use for oral care. C. The UAP places the patient's bedding in the laundry container inside the clients room. D. The UAP flushes the toilet twice after emptying the patient's bedpan.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) The UAP stands by the patient's bed for 60 minutes talking with the patient:
This action requires immediate intervention because of the potential radiation exposure to the UAP. A temporary radioactive cervical implant involves placing a radioactive source in or near the patient's cervix. This implant emits radiation, and safety precautions are essential to limit exposure to others, including healthcare workers. Prolonged close contact, such as standing by the patient's bed for 60 minutes, increases the risk of radiation exposure to the UAP.

B) The UAP gives the patient a saline mouthwash to use for oral care:
There are no specific contraindications to using a saline mouthwash for oral care in patients with a radioactive implant. Saline mouthwash is commonly recommended for patients undergoing radiation therapy to soothe the mouth and prevent dryness or irritation. As long as the UAP is following standard infection control and safety precautions.

C) The UAP places the patient's bedding in the laundry container inside the client's room:
Bedding and linens from a patient with a radioactive implant can usually be handled and disposed of according to hospital guidelines for radioactive waste. Often, these linens are not considered to pose a significant radiation hazard after removal from the patient’s immediate area, especially if the patient is not emitting radiation outside the prescribed safety guidelines.

D) The UAP flushes the toilet twice after emptying the patient's bedpan:
After the patient has a radioactive implant, any bodily waste (urine, stool) can potentially contain small amounts of radiation. Flushing the toilet twice helps to ensure that any radioactive materials are effectively cleared. However, the UAP should be instructed to wear gloves and take other precautions to prevent contamination while handling the bedpan and ensuring proper disposal of waste.

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A client with history of myasthenia gravis is experiencing prolonged periods of weakness and difficulty breathing. The provider orders an edrophonium [Tensilon] test. Once the dose is administered, the client becomes weaker. The nurse interprets this test result as:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Which of the following signs and symptoms is MOST important for the nurse to assess for?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse supervises the care of a patient with a temporary radioactive cervical implant. Which action by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), if observed by the nurse, would require immediate intervention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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