At 8 AM, medications are prescribed for assigned clients. Which medication should the nurse administer first?

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Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic, neurologic autoimmune disorder that involves damage to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junctions, which results in skeletal muscle weakness. The ocular (ptosis) and facial muscles, along with those responsible for chewing and swallowing, are affected initially; however, weakness can progress to the respiratory muscles (eg, intercostal, diaphragm). ptosis Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) is a first-line drug that inhibits acetylcholine breakdown and is prescribed to temporarily increase muscle strength in clients with MG. It is the priority medication as difficulty swallowing indicates weakness of the muscles involved in swallowing and increases aspiration risk. (Option A) Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) is prescribed daily to prevent ischemic attacks and myocardial infarction in clients with coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke; it is not the priority medication. (Option B) Metformin (Glucophage) is an anti-hyperglycemic drug that can cause lactic acidosis in clients with kidney disease. Contrast used for CT scan can cause kidney injury. It is recommended that the drug be held before and resumed 48 hours after the CT scan (if renal function [creatinine] is normal). (Option C) Analgesia with opioids is appropriate to treat chronic pain associated with terminal cancer. However, decreasing the aspiration risk is more urgent than providing pain relief. Educational objective: Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) inhibits acetylcholine breakdown and is prescribed to temporarily increase muscle strength in clients with myasthenia gravis. The ocular and facial muscles, along with those responsible for chewing and swallowing, are affected initially; this can increase the client's aspiration risk.

At 8 AM, Medications Are Prescribed for Assigned Clients