Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards Preview

Complex Care Concepts > Myasthenia Gravis > Flashcards

Flashcards in Myasthenia Gravis Deck (31)
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1
Q

Definition

A

Acquired autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness

2
Q

Two types

A

Ocular

Generalized

3
Q

Worsen with

A

Exercise and improve with rest

4
Q

Death from

A

Respiratory failure

5
Q

Fatigue and weakness of

A

Cranial nerves
Skeletal muscles
Respiratory muscles

6
Q

Caused by

A

Distorted acetylcholine receptors in the muscle end plate membranes
Nerve impulses do not generate muscle contraction

7
Q

Thymoma

A

Encapsulated brain tumor

Causes abnormal growth of thymus gland

8
Q

Motor manifestations

A
Muscle weakness that improves with rest 
Poor posture
Ocular palsied
Ptosis
Diplopia
Respiratory compromise
Bowel and bladder
Fatigue
9
Q

Sensory manifestations

A

Muscle achiness
Paresthesias
Decreased sense of smell and taste

10
Q

Onset

A

Insidious

11
Q

Bulbar involvement

A

Affected
Facial expression
Chewing
Speech

12
Q

The patients face

A
Snarl instead of smile
Hanging jaw (they might prop it up)
13
Q

Periods of remission

A

And exacerbation

14
Q

Rapid development may be caused by

A

Infection
Pregnancy
Anesthesia

15
Q

Difficulty with

A

Climbing stairs
Lifting heavy objects
Raising arms overhead

16
Q

No

A

Pain
Smell
Taste

17
Q

Eaton-lambert syndrome

A

Form of myasthenia often seen with small cell carcinoma of the lung

18
Q

Treatment drugs

A

Cholinestrase inhibitors
Prednisone
Immunosuppressants

19
Q

Tension test

A

Inhibits breakdown of ACh

Patients show marked improvement for 4-5 minutes

20
Q

For exacerbation

A

Plasmapheresis

21
Q

Cholinergic crisis

A

Too much cholinesterase inhibitor drugs

Increase parasympathetic

22
Q

Myasthenic crisis

A
Too little cholineserase drugs 
Increase secretions 
Increase pulse
Increase BP
Increase respirations 
Weak, fatigue
23
Q

Tensilon antidote

A

Atropine sulfate

24
Q

Diagnosis- labs

A

Thyroid
Other immune disorders?
Positive ACh receptor antibodies
Negative does not rule out

25
Q

Drug of choice

A

Pyridostigmine

Help improve muscle condition and strength

26
Q

Education for drugs

A

Give drugs on time
Administer with small amount of food (GI effects)
Eat meal 45 minutes after
Blood levels

27
Q

Dysphagia

A

No talking

Just eating

28
Q

Eye protection

A

Tape eyes shut

Lubrication of artificial tears

29
Q

Triggers

A
Infection 
Stress
Exercise 
Sedatives
Enemas
30
Q

Avoid

A
Overeating
Crowds
Overheating
Sleeping 
Emotional
31
Q

Surgery

A

Thymectomy

May show improvement if done within two years of onset