Question

Ms. Fulton is a 38-year-old mother who was recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic disease of the neuromuscular system. Management of this disease process requires strict adherence to a medication regimen. The disease also affects ADLs for the patient and her family. Additionally, because myasthenia gravis is characterized by exacerbations that may require hospitalizations, Ms. Fulton has had to resign from her position as president of a marketing firm. She has remained as an employee of the same company, but now serves as a consultant with more flexible work hours. In discussing management of her chronic disease, the nurse focuses on what types of strategies? Describe supportive nursing care that may be helpful to Ms. Fulton.

Answer 1

Hey there!:

The strategy for managing her chronic disease and supportive nursing care are

Asses the weakness of the patient and provide support accordingly

Patient education plays an important role for preparing the patient psychologically

Observe patient ability to do daily activity and support

Give time for task performance

Speech therapy if has difficulty in speaking

Helping in eating because they may have dysphagia due to muscle weakness.Make patient sit while eating to prevent aspiration.

Instruct patient to wear a Medic alert bracelet

Inform her not to take stress,infection control practice, over the counter medications

Medical management

Use of medication life long helps to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life. (Acetyl choline st erase inhibitor, Atropine, Pyridostigmine,Prednisone,Rituximab)

Plasmapheresis

It is a method of removing the putative antibodies from the blood circulation.

IVIG

Intravenous immunoglobulin are used to bind the antibodies in the circulation.

Surgery

Thymus gland are removed  in an extreme stage in hospital administration.

Physical activities

Teaching them this helps them to cope up and manage their symptoms effectively like diaphragmatic exercise, pursed lip breathing.There should be frequent rest in between exercise.