The nurse explains to a client who has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) that this condition differs from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in that MG: Select all that apply

Question

1. Has an onset for women that commonly occurs between 20 and 40 years of age.
2. Clients experience an increase of symptoms when exposed to sunlight, viral illness, and emotional stress.
3. Presents with shorter remissions as the disease progresses.
4. Is usually fatal in 3 to 4 years after onset.
5. Produces involuntary twitching of the arms, legs, and tongue muscles.

Answer 1

1. Has an onset for women that commonly occurs between 20 and 40 years of age.
2. Clients experience an increase of symptoms when exposed to sunlight, viral illness, and emotional stress.
3. Presents with shorter remissions as the disease progresses.

Rationale: Has an onset for women that commonly occurs between 20 and 40 years of age. MG occurs at any age, although the age of onset is commonly either at 20 to 40 years of age for women or 60 to 80 years of age for men. Clients experience an increase of symptoms when exposed to sunlight, viral illness, and emotional stress. Exposure to sunlight, viral illness, surgery, immunization, emotional stress, menstruation, and physical factors might trigger or worsen exacerbations. Presents with shorter remissions as the disease progresses. As MG progresses, symptom-free periods decrease, and muscle weakness fluctuates from mild to severe. Is usually fatal in 3 to 4 years after onset. Average disease duration in ALS is 3 to 4 years. Produces involuntary twitching of the arms, legs and tongue muscles. In ALS, symptoms include fasciculation (involuntary twitching) of the limb and tongue muscles.