A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has generalized myasthenia gravis. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Encourage the client to eat a large meal in the evening: Clients with myasthenia gravis experience progressive muscle weakness, especially later in the day. Eating large evening meals increases the risk of fatigue and aspiration because muscle strength is reduced after activity. B. Recommend the client eat within 45 min of taking cholinesterase-inhibitor medication: Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine, enhance neuromuscular transmission and improve muscle strength. Eating within 45 minutes of taking the medication ensures optimal swallowing ability and reduces the risk of aspiration by aligning mealtime with peak effect. C. Recommend the client extend their neck to facilitate swallowing: Extending the neck actually increases the risk of aspiration by opening the airway. Clients should be instructed to flex the neck slightly forward while swallowing to close the airway and promote safe swallowing mechanics. D. Encourage the client to contact an occupational therapist to learn techniques of avoiding aspiration: While an occupational therapist can provide helpful adaptive techniques, primary aspiration prevention teaching should come directly from the nurse and speech-language pathologist.