While reviewing a client’s chart, the nurse notices that the female client has myasthenia gravis. Which of the following statements about neuromuscular blocking agents is true for a client with this condition?
a. The client may be less sensitive to the effects of a neuromuscular blocking agent.
b. Succinylcholine shouldn’t be used; pancuronium may be used in a lower dosage.
c. Pancuronium shouldn’t be used; succinylcholine may be used in a lower dosage.
d. Pancuronium and succinylcholine both require cautious administration.
Answer D.
The nurse must cautiously administer pancuronium, succinylcholine, and any other neuromuscular blocking agent to a client with myasthenia gravis. Such a client isn’t less sensitive to the effects of a neuromuscular blocking agent. Either succinylcholine or pancuronium can be administered in the usual adult dosage to a client with myasthenia gravis.
a. The client may be less sensitive to the effects of a neuromuscular blocking agent.
b. Succinylcholine shouldn’t be used; pancuronium may be used in a lower dosage.
c. Pancuronium shouldn’t be used; succinylcholine may be used in a lower dosage.
d. Pancuronium and succinylcholine both require cautious administration.
Answer D.
The nurse must cautiously administer pancuronium, succinylcholine, and any other neuromuscular blocking agent to a client with myasthenia gravis. Such a client isn’t less sensitive to the effects of a neuromuscular blocking agent. Either succinylcholine or pancuronium can be administered in the usual adult dosage to a client with myasthenia gravis.