A Patient with Myasthenia Gravis Who Is Taking a Cholinesterase

A patient with myasthenia gravis who is taking a cholinesterase inhibitor is being admitted to the intensive care unit and is on mechanical ventilation. The prescriber has ordered a challenge dose of edrophonium to distinguish between a myasthenic crisis and a medication overdose. The nurse will expect to do what?

A) Administer neostigmine if muscle strength decreases.
B) Be prepared to administer atropine and oxygen if muscle weakness increases.
C) Give a second dose of edrophonium if no improvement is seen.
D) Give pralidoxime [Protopam] if cholinergic symptoms worsen.