A therapist is administering incentive spirometry to a patient who demonstrates ptosis, diplopia, and a weak cough. The patient has a history of a minimal chronic respiratory disease. Which of the following disorders is likely affecting this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial features of both the ocular and generalized forms are usually ptosis, diplopia, or both. Prepubertal onset is associated with a slight male bias and ocular symptoms only, whereas postpubertal onset is associated with a strong female bias and generalized myasthenia. Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) often have little chronic respiratory compromise and are symptomatic only during periods of myasthenia crisis, when symptoms, particularly bulbar symptoms, suddenly escalate. During one such crisis patients may have sudden paralysis of the respiratory muscles, temporarily requiring assisted ventilation.

A Therapist Is Administering Incentive Spirometry to a Patient Who