Prepare for the NCLEX-RN® with this focused topic on Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and medication classification. Learn about the nurse’s role in caring for a client with GBS after a severe viral infection. Discover the essential medications the health care provider may prescribe to manage this condition effectively. Ideal for nursing students and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge in neurological disorders and pharmacology.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following a severe viral infection. Which classification of medication should the nurse anticipate the health care provider will prescribe?
A. Neuromuscular blocking agents
B. Corticosteroids
C. Cholinergic muscle stimulants
D. Interleukin inhibitors
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
B. Corticosteroids
Rationale: Treatment of GBS is aimed at reducing the symptoms and involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids.
Major Takeaway
Treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is aimed at reducing the symptoms and involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids. Some clients can also be treated with intravenous immune globulins (IVIGs) to quickly neutralize the troublesome antibodies, plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange to filter out the circulating antibodies from the client’s blood. Finally, clients are also monitored closely for any sign of respiratory failure. They are provided with ventilatory support in case of breathing difficulties and hemodynamic support as needed.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. Neuromuscular blocking agents
Rationale: Neuromuscular blocking agents are a group of muscle relaxants which are not used to treat GBS. Neuromuscular blocking agents are used in conjunction with anesthesia for clients having surgery.
C. Cholinergic muscle stimulants
Rationale: Cholinergic muscle stimulants are not prescribed to treat GBS. Instead, cholinergic muscle stimulants are used to increase acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the neuromuscular junction. This classification can be used to diagnose and treat myasthenia gravis.
D. Interleukin inhibitors
Rationale: Interleukin inhibitors are immunosuppressant agents prescribed to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis. Although GBS can be treated by suppressing the immune system, this classification is not included in GBS treatment.
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