B. J. is a 32-year-old female who has been admitted for several days receiving plasmapheresis for myasthenia gravis (MG). Before this admission she had been relatively healthy. Her medical history includes HTN and GERD. About a year ago B. J. started experiencing difficulty chewing and swallowing, diplopia, and slurring of speech. She was diagnosed with MG and started on pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Upon admission, she was unable to bear any weight or take fluids through a straw. What is myasthenia gravis? What are the signs/symptoms of MG?
What is the difference between a cholinergic crisis and myasthenic crisis. What diagnostic test is used to distinguish between them?
What are the priority nursing assessments for B. J. while she is hospitalized?