The nurse explains to a patient who has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) that this condition differs from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in that MG has which characteristics? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct
choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. It is usually fatal in 3 to 4 years after onset.
2. MG presents with shorter remissions as the disease progresses.
3. The onset of MG in women commonly occurs between 20 and 40 years of age.
4. Patients experience an increase of symptoms when exposed to sunlight, viral illness, and emotional stress.
5. MG produces involuntary twitching of the arms, legs, and tongue muscles.
2,3,4
Rationale 1: ALS is generally fatal in 3 to 4 years.
Rationale 2: As MG progresses, symptom-free periods decrease, and muscle weakness fluctuates from mild to severe.
Rationale 3: MG occurs at any age, although the age of onset is commonly 20 to 40 years of age for women and 60 to 80 years of age for men.
Rationale 4: Exposure to sunlight, viral illness, surgery, immunization, emotional stress, menstruation, and physical factors might trigger or worsen exacerbations.
Rationale 5: In ALS, symptoms include fasciculation (involuntary twitching) of the limb and tongue muscles.
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