Learning Guide: Neuromuscular Disorders
1. Compare and contrast risk factors for:
Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
2. List the four categories of multiple sclerosis and their characteristics.
3. Complete the following table:
Neuromuscular
Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Patho
Manifestations Complications
Parkinson’s Disease
Myasthenia Gravis
4. Match the following diagnostic test to the correct neuromuscular
disorders:
_____________IgG may be found in the CSF
______________EMG and Tensilon test
______________MRI may confirm diagnosis
______________No diagnostic test
A. PD
B. MG
C. MS
5. Briefly describe the types of surgical interventions that may be used to
treat the following disorders and how they may control manifestations
and/or improve function for the client:
Parkinson’s Disease
Myasthenia gravis
6. Complete the table for medications used in treatment of the following:
Disorder
Multiple
Sclerosis
Med. Class.
Action
Med. Ex.
Teaching
Parkinson’s
Disease
Myasthenia
Gravis
7. Why can’t oral dopamine be given as replacement therapy for the
Parkinson client? What medication is given instead?
8. Explain why Levadopa is often given in combination with carbidopa for
management of Parkinsons.
9. List 5 nursing interventions to decrease the number and severity of side
effects of antiparkinson’s medication.
10. Compare and contrast a myasthenic crisis with a cholinergic crisis.
11. What is the diagnostic test performed to differentiate between the two
crises? Give the meaning of a positive test and a negative test.
12. A MS client has the following nursing diagnosis:
Impaired physical mobility RT muscle weakness and muscle spasticity AEB
client statements “my legs feel like jello when I stand for more than 10-15
min.” and “It is difficult to walk because my leg muscles feel like they are
cramping”. Hyperreflexia noted in both legs. State the client goals and
appropriate nursing interventions for this diagnosis.
13. Your client with PD has lost 5 lbs. in the past month. He states it is just
too difficult to chew and swallow his food. Give the appropriate nursing
diagnosis, goal and interventions for this problem.
14. Fatigue is a common problem for chronic neurological problems. List
nursing interventions for the management of chronic fatigue for MS, PD, and
MG.
15. List 5 psychosocial nursing diagnoses for a client with a neuromuscular
disorder.
16. Match the following Nursing Diagnoses with the appropriate
neuromuscular diseases. Some diseases may be used more than once:
Impaired Swallowing
Ineffective Airway Clearance
A. Parkinson’s Disease
B. Multiple Sclerosis
Impaired Verbal Communication
Ineffective Breathing Pattern
Sexual Dysfunction
Disturbed Body Image
Activity Intolerance
C. Myasthenia Gravis