A 12-year-old child with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.She tells you that yesterday her legs were weak and that this morning she was unable to walk.After the nurse determines the current level of paralysis,which should the next priority assessment be?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessment of swallowing is essential.Both pharyngeal involvement and respiratory function are usually involved at the same time.The child may require ventilatory support.The inability to swallow also contributes to aspiration pneumonia.Parental involvement is important after the physiologic assessment is complete.The child is answering questions and describing the onset of the illness,which demonstrates she is alert and oriented.Information regarding antecedent viral infections can be obtained after the child is assessed and stabilized.

A 12-Year-Old Child with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)is Admitted to the Pediatric