As a new nurse, you have had clients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and are concerned about their level of understanding of the disease process. You have taken on the task of developing a teaching pamphlet to provide clear discharge instructions including information on the disease, support resources, medication teaching, and signs and symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis. You will include the following information in the pamphlet.
- Describe the disease process for MG.
- List (2) local community resources available that can provide support such as:
- Nutrition.
- Transportation.
- Psychosocial needs such as support groups.
- Include medication administration instructions and the importance of timing of medication delivery.
- Include signs of symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis and when to notify health care provider.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. The immune system mistakenly attacks the acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction, which are responsible for transmitting signals from nerves to muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
As a new nurse, it’s important to provide patients with information about local community resources that can provide support. Two local community resources available to provide support to people with MG include:
- Nutrition: Local nutritionists or registered dieticians can provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that can help manage symptoms of MG.
- Transportation: Some local community organizations or ride-share programs offer transportation services to individuals with disabilities, including those with MG.
Additionally, it’s important to provide information about psychosocial needs such as support groups. Many local hospitals, clinics, or community organizations offer support groups for individuals with MG, which can provide emotional support, education, and help people manage their condition.
Medication administration is a critical part of managing MG symptoms. Patients need to understand the importance of timing medication delivery, which can impact the effectiveness of the medication. It’s important to instruct patients to take their medications as prescribed and to be consistent with the timing of their medication delivery.
In addition to medication administration instructions, it’s important to educate patients on the signs and symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis. Myasthenic Crisis is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Patients need to understand when to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms or if their symptoms worsen despite taking their medication as prescribed. It’s critical to instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any signs or symptoms of Myasthenic Crisis.