Question

The nurse is performing an admission history on a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which would the nurse expect to find in the client's history? A. Surgical procedure three months ago B. A recent virus C. Anticonvulsant medications D. Recent seizure activity

Short answer

Answer: A recent virus.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. It often occurs following a viral or bacterial infection, although its exact cause is not completely understood.

Evaluate the options

Now, let's analyze each option in light of GBS: A. Surgical procedure three months ago: Surgery has no direct linkage with the development of GBS. B. A recent virus: GBS is known to often occur after viral infections. C. Anticonvulsant medications: GBS is not associated with the use of anticonvulsant medications as it is a different kind of neurological disorder compared to seizure disorders. D. Recent seizure activity: GBS does not usually manifest as seizure activity.

Choose the best answer

Based on the analysis of the options, option B (A recent virus) is the most closely associated factor with Guillain-Barré syndrome. So, the nurse should expect to find a recent virus in the client's history.

Key concepts

NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam requires a thorough understanding of numerous health conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). It is crucial to approach these topics systematically:

• Review the pathophysiology and clinical presentations of various diseases.
• Understand the nursing interventions and client education associated with each condition.
• Study the diagnostics and typical findings in the patient’s history that can lead to a correct diagnosis.

Engaging with a variety of questions—especially those that mimic the style of the NCLEX, such as prioritization, delegation, and application-type questions—can significantly enhance exam readiness. For GBS, knowing its association with recent viral infections is key. Furthermore, consistently practicing with realistic scenarios like those provided in textbook exercises strengthens critical thinking skills necessary for the actual exam situation.

Nursing Admission History

The nursing admission history is a foundational component of patient assessment. It's a systematic collection of a patient's medical, family, and social history. Its purpose is to identify risks, to aid in diagnosis, and to inform the subsequent plan of care. Specific to neurological disorders like Guillain-Barré syndrome, nurses should ask detailed questions about:

• Past illnesses, especially recent infections.
• History of symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
• Any treatments or medications the patient has been receiving.

Accurate and comprehensive history taking can often provide crucial clues leading to a diagnosis, as observed with the correlation between GBS and antecedent viral infections.

Neurological Disorders in Nursing

Nurses play a vital role in managing and educating patients about neurological disorders. A deep understanding of such disorders directly impacts quality of care. For GBS specifically, nurses need to be keenly aware of the signs and potential progression of the disease:

• Focus on monitoring for changes in muscle strength and respiratory function.
• Recognize potential complications, including respiratory failure and dysautonomia.
• Provide education on disease management and support resources available.

Nursing care for GBS patients is both supportive and rehabilitative, aiming to help patients regain function while mitigating complications. Emphasizing education in this area enhances a nurse's capacity to respond to the unique challenges presented by neurological conditions.