Question

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

a) Increased muscle strength
b) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
c) Symmetrical paralysis
d) Rapid resolution of symptoms

Answer 1

In Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nurse should expect symmetrical paralysis, given the syndrome's characteristic immune-mediated destruction of myelin in peripheral nerves leading to flaccid paralysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse collecting data from a client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome should expect to find c) Symmetrical paralysis as a clinical feature. Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. This attack leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath around the neurons and results in muscle weakness and paralysis. The paralysis is typically symmetrical and ascends, often starting in the legs and moving upwards. Patients do not exhibit increased muscle strength or hyperactive deep tendon reflexes; these are signs of upper motor neuron lesions. It's also notable that Guillain-Barré syndrome does not resolve rapidly; recovery can take weeks to years.