The nurse is assisting with discharging a patient with myasthenia gravis after hospitalization for severe respiratory distress. Which statement by the patient indicates that the nurse's discharge teaching has been effective?
a. "I will take my anticholinergic medication to prevent developing respiratory distress again."
b. "If I develop muscle cramping, I can take quinine as needed."
c. "I know I should take my Prostigmin as needed, whenever I feel short of breath."
d. "I have to take my Prostigmin exactly as prescribed without skipping a dose."
ANS: D
With insufficient anticholinesterase medication, muscles can become weak. If respiratory muscles are affected, the patient can develop respiratory distress. Medication must be taken consistently to prevent weakness, not prn. Quinine and anticholinergic agents can exacerbate muscle weakness.
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