Patients who are in the last phase of poliomyelitis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome usually die of respiratory failure because their
A) elastic fibers are damaged
B) collagen fibers are damaged
C) skeletal muscles become weakened
D) smooth muscle become weakened
E) alveoli become congested

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with poliomyelitis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome experience weakness in their skeletal muscles. The respiratory muscles, such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, become weakened as well, causing respiratory failure. Damage to the elastic or collagen fibers or congestion in the alveoli are not the primary causes of respiratory failure in these conditions.

Patients Who Are in the Last Phase of Poliomyelitis, Myasthenia