You are the nurse on the medical/surgical unit, and you are caring for Mrs. Jones, who was recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis that was diagnosed using the edrophonium [Tensilon] test. Mrs. Jones has been prescribed neostigmine (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) before meals and atropine sulfate as needed for cholinergic crisis. Mrs. Jones is confused about her diagnosis and how to take her medications.
1. How would you explain the need to perform Tensilon testing for her diagnosis?
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2. How would you explain the need to take neostigmine before meals?
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3. Mrs. Jones asks why she needs atropine sulfate. What would your response be?
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