Question

A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome has paralysis affecting the respiratory muscles and requires mechanical ventilation. The client has questions about the paralysis. What information will the nurse tell the client about the paralysis?

Answer 1

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease that results in flaccid paralysis due to the destruction of myelin sheaths around neurons. Respiratory muscles can be affected, requiring mechanical ventilation. With proper medical management, the paralysis is often temporary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of myelin sheaths around neurons, leading to flaccid paralysis. It is typically triggered by bacterial or viral infections. In the case of respiratory muscle paralysis, mechanical ventilation is necessary to assist with breathing.

There are several important things the nurse can tell the client about the paralysis:

1. Paralysis in GBS is typically flaccid, meaning the affected muscles are weak and floppy.
2. The paralysis can start in the head and move down as the condition worsens
3. Respiratory muscles can be affected, which can lead to difficulties in breathing and require mechanical ventilation.

It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that with proper medical management, including mechanical ventilation, the paralysis is often temporary and many patients recover with time and rehabilitation.