A nurse suspects a client with myasthenia gravis is experiencing a myasthenic crisis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Prepare to administer a vasopressor.
Administer an anticholinesterase medication.
Prepare the client for intubation.
Instruct the client to perform pursed lip breathing.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Prepare the client for intubation.
Choice A: Prepare to administer a vasopressor
Reason: Vasopressors are typically used to manage hypotension (low blood pressure) and are not a standard treatment for myasthenic crisis. Myasthenic crisis primarily involves respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure, rather than issues with blood pressure.
Choice B: Administer an anticholinesterase medication
Reason: While anticholinesterase medications like pyridostigmine are used to manage myasthenia gravis, they are generally not recommended during a myasthenic crisis. During a crisis, the focus is on stabilizing the patient, often requiring more immediate interventions such as intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Choice C: Prepare the client for intubation
Reason: Intubation is a critical intervention in a myasthenic crisis due to the risk of respiratory failure. The crisis is characterized by severe muscle weakness, including the muscles that control breathing. Intubation ensures that the airway is protected and that the patient can receive adequate ventilation.
Choice D: Instruct the client to perform pursed lip breathing
Reason: Pursed lip breathing is a technique used to improve breathing efficiency in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not appropriate for managing a myasthenic crisis, where the primary issue is severe muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The blood should not be infusing for 5 hours as transfusions of packed RBCs should be completed within 2 to 4 hours to minimize the risk of bacterial growth and transfusion reactions.
Choice B reason: Medications should not be administered through the same IV line as blood products due to the risk of reactions and interactions.
Choice C reason: The packed RBCs are indeed connected by Tubing to normal saline, which is used to keep the line open and prevent clotting.
Choice D reason: The drip chamber should not be filled completely with blood as it is necessary to monitor the drip rate and to ensure that air does not enter the line.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This set of values is indicative of metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation, which is common in chronic kidney disease due to the accumulation of acids in the blood and the lungs' attempt to compensate by retaining CO2.
Choice B reason: This choice suggests respiratory alkalosis, which is less likely in chronic kidney disease unless there is a secondary respiratory condition causing hyperventilation.
Choice C reason: This choice indicates metabolic alkalosis, which is not typical for chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys are unable to excrete acid effectively.
Choice D reason: While this set of values does indicate acidosis, the expected compensatory response in chronic kidney disease would be an elevated PaCO2, not a normal or low value.
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