Nursing Care of Patients with Myasthenia Gravis — Case Report

Abstract

Introduction. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease caused by disruption in normal neuromuscular transmission due to the reduction in the number of the acetylcholine receptors. Patients with myasthenia gravis require an individual and comprehensive nursing care to meet the needs of both biological and social nature. Properly undertaken nursing interventions improve the quality of life of patients and allow them to function independently in a daily life. An important issue is cooperation not only with the very patient, but also with their family. Case Report. A case of 57-year-old patient with myasthenia gravis, the dominant muscle weakness in both lower and upper limbs. The weakening of facial muscles and tongue, dysphagia and problems with food intake led to malnutrition and poor health condition. The onset of disease was at the age of 26, on the first day after giving birth. Discussion. Care for patients with myasthenia gravis must be comprehensive, and nursing-therapeutic care should meet individual patient’s needs in accordance with applicable guidelines. Conclusions. The case of the patient with myasthenia gravis allowed to identify the difficulties she struggled with. The main activities of nursing care provided the patient with the feeling of safety, better psychomotor activity and assistance in self-care activities. The knowledge about disease and its complications helped to improve daily functioning and coping with difficult situations. All measures taken in this regard proved to be effective, as they reduced anxiety and weakened the sense of isolation and loneliness. (JNNN 2017;6(2):88–97)

Keywords

• myasthenia gravis
• nursing care
• care problems