Question

A client with myasthenia gravis, who has been taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon), tells the nurse, "This medication's side effects are making me uncomfortable." The nurse would expect the client to complain of the medication causing which of the following effects? A. Muscle cramps B. Dry mouth C. Decreased lacrimation D. Hyperactivity episodes

Short answer

Answer: Muscle cramps

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Myasthenia Gravis and Pyridostigmine

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Pyridostigmine, commonly sold under the brand name Mestinon, is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis. This drug is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it increases the levels of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, improving the communication between nerve cells and muscle fibers.

Analyzing the options

Let's examine each of the given options one-by-one: A. Muscle cramps - Pyridostigmine could cause muscle cramps in some cases, as it leads to an increased level of acetylcholine, which in turn can cause increased muscle contractions. B. Dry mouth - Dry mouth is not among the commonly reported side effects of pyridostigmine, as the increase in acetylcholine can act on muscarinic receptors in the salivary glands, increasing secretion. C. Decreased lacrimation - Decreased tearing is also not a common side effect of pyridostigmine, as the drug can also stimulate muscarinic receptors in the lacrimal glands, which increase the production of tears. D. Hyperactivity episodes - Hyperactivity episodes are not typically reported as a side effect of pyridostigmine, as the drug acts on neuromuscular communication rather than the central nervous system.

Choosing the correct answer

Based on the above analysis, option A (Muscle cramps) is the most plausible side effect of pyridostigmine that the client would complain about. So, the correct answer is: A. Muscle cramps