Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Medical Condition Notes

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key points of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), including assessments, expected findings, interventions, medications, and patient education.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

An acute demyelinating polyneuropathy affecting peripheral nerves.

What are the key respiratory status assessments for GBS?

Monitor respiratory rate, effort, oxygen saturation, and ABGs.

What are the expected findings for respiratory status in GBS?

Shallow respirations, decreased vital capacity, dyspnea, cyanosis.

Why is respiratory status critical in GBS patients?

Because progressive muscle weakness can impair respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure.

What are the neurological status assessments for GBS?

Assess for ascending muscle weakness, deep tendon reflexes, and cranial nerve involvement.

What are the expected neurological findings in GBS?

Symmetrical ascending weakness, areflexia, facial weakness, dysphagia.

Why is neurological assessment important in GBS?

GBS affects the peripheral nerves, leading to varying degrees of muscle weakness.

What autonomic function assessments are prioritized in GBS?

Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm.

What are expected findings regarding autonomic function in GBS?

Labile blood pressure, arrhythmias, tachycardia or bradycardia.

What is the rationale behind monitoring autonomic function in GBS?

Autonomic dysfunction can lead to cardiovascular instability.

What test is performed to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in GBS?

Lumbar puncture.

What is the expected result of lumbar puncture in GBS patients?

Elevated protein with a normal white blood cell count.

What does the lumbar puncture result indicate in GBS?

Demyelination without infection.

What is assessed through electromyography (EMG) in GBS?

Nerve signal transmission.

What is the expected result of EMG and nerve conduction studies in GBS?

Slowed nerve conduction velocity.

What do pulmonary function tests (PFTs) evaluate in GBS?

Vital capacity and respiratory muscle strength.

What is the expected result of PFTs in GBS?

Decreased vital capacity (<15 mL/kg may indicate need for intubation).

Why are pulmonary function tests critical in GBS assessment?

They evaluate respiratory compromise.

What is the primary intervention for maintaining airway in GBS patients?

Prepare for mechanical ventilation if needed.

What is the rationale for maintaining airway in GBS?

To prevent respiratory failure due to progressive muscle weakness.

What should be monitored to manage cardiac status in GBS?

Heart rate and rhythm.

What is included in DVT prophylaxis for GBS patients?

Compression devices and anticoagulants.

What is the rationale for implementing DVT prophylaxis in GBS?

Immobility increases risk for thromboembolic events.

How often should GBS patients be repositioned to prevent pressure injuries?

Every 2 hours.

What medications are commonly administered for GBS?

IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, analgesics, anticoagulants.

What is the action of IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) in GBS?

Modulates immune response and reduces severity of symptoms.

What should be monitored during plasmapheresis in GBS treatment?

Hypotension and infection.

What is the rationale for administering plasmapheresis in GBS?

It removes circulating antibodies contributing to nerve damage.

How are analgesics used in GBS management?

To monitor pain levels and side effects.

What is the purpose of anticoagulants in GBS treatment?

To prevent DVT due to immobility.

What is essential client education regarding disease progression in GBS?

Recovery may take weeks to months and is often gradual.

Why is it important to teach signs of respiratory distress to GBS patients?

Early detection of complications can prevent deterioration.

What should patients be encouraged to participate in for rehabilitation in GBS?

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

What is the primary potential complication of GBS related to respiratory function?

Respiratory failure.

What actions should be taken to prevent respiratory failure in GBS?

Monitor respiratory status, prepare for intubation, provide oxygen therapy.

What is a major prevention strategy for aspiration pneumonia in GBS?

Elevate head during feeding and provide enteral nutrition if needed.

What is the main prevention strategy for pressure ulcers in GBS patients?

Repositioning and skin care.

What is the prevention strategy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in GBS patients?

Anticoagulants, compression devices, early mobilization.

What are the expected outcomes of monitoring respiratory status in GBS?

To identify respiratory failure risks.

What role does cardiovascular monitoring play in GBS management?

To prevent arrhythmias and blood pressure fluctuations.

Why is skin care important for GBS patients?

To prevent pressure injuries due to immobility.

What are the common signs of autonomic instability in GBS?

Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

What is the significance of teaching about the disease process to GBS patients?

Sets realistic recovery expectations and reduces anxiety.

How should activities be structured for patients undergoing rehabilitation for GBS?

Incorporate physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

What does areflexia mean in the context of GBS assessments?

Absence of deep tendon reflexes.

What is the importance of cranial nerve assessment in GBS?

It evaluates potential facial and swallowing issues.

How does IVIG help in GBS treatment?

By modulating the immune response.

What is one of the primary concerns after nerve conduction studies in GBS patients?

Confirming peripheral nerve demyelination.

What symptoms indicate a need for immediate attention in GBS patients?

Shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.

What laboratory result is crucial for diagnosing GBS?

Elevated protein in CSF with a normal white blood cell count.

What vital assessments should be done regularly in a GBS patient?

Respiratory and neurological statuses.

What factors contribute to the complexities of GBS management?

Varied symptom progression and the risk of multiple complications.

What are two common medications used to manage pain in GBS?

Gabapentin and opioids.

What preventive measure should be taken post-diagnosis of GBS to avoid DVTs?

Utilizing compression devices.

Why is early rehabilitation important in GBS recovery?

To promote recovery and prevent long-term disability.

Which electrolyte imbalances might be of concern in GBS?

Imbalances related to autonomic dysregulation.

What is the role of patient education in managing GBS?

It empowers patients to recognize signs of complications.

How do DVT prophylaxis measures contribute to GBS management?

They minimize thromboembolic risks associated with immobility.

What should be included in the care plan for a GBS patient?

Regular assessments of respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular status.

What is achieved by performing pulmonary function tests on GBS patients?

Assessment of respiratory muscle strength and compromise.

Why is it important to monitor medications closely in GBS management?

To manage side effects and ensure therapeutic efficacy.

What can happen if respiratory status is not monitored adequately in GBS patients?

Increased risk of respiratory failure.

What does early recognition of cranial nerve involvement help prevent in GBS?

Dysphagia and subsequent aspiration.

What action should be taken if a GBS patient shows signs of hypotension during plasmapheresis?

Monitor closely and adjust treatment as necessary.

How should a caregiver respond to signs of respiratory distress in a GBS patient?

Seek immediate medical assistance.

What is a common psychological effect of GBS that education can address?

Anxiety regarding recovery expectations.

What is the significance of doing swallowing assessments in GBS management?

To prevent aspiration and ensure safe feeding.

What is vital capacity and why is it important in GBS assessments?

A measure of respiratory strength, critical for identifying respiratory compromise.

What is the outcome of elevated protein in the CSF for GBS?

It suggests demyelination without infection.

What role does blood pressure monitoring have in GBS?

To manage autonomic instability and prevent complications.

What are indications for intubation in GBS patients based on PFT results?

Vital capacity <15 mL/kg.

What kind of education is crucial post-recovery from GBS?

Signs of complications and the importance of follow-up.

How does advancing muscle weakness in GBS affect patient prognosis?

It contributes to varying degrees of recovery and rehabilitation needs.

What is the importance of elevation during feeding in GBS patients?

To reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.