NCLEX-PN Practice Q 47

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The diagnostic work-up of a client hospitalized with complaints of progressive weakness and fatigue confirms a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The medication used to treat myasthenia gravis is:

  

     A. Atropine (atropine sulfate)

     B. Pyridostigmine (neostigmine)

     C. Didronel (etidronate)

     D. Tensilon (edrophonium)

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Pyridostigmine (neostigmine)

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Option B: Pyridostigmine (neostigmine), a muscle relaxant, is used to treat clients with myasthenia gravis. It works by delaying the breakdown of acetylcholine as it is released from nerve endings resulting in more available acetylcholine attached to the muscle receptors hence improving the muscle strength.

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Option A: Atropine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of neostigmine.

Option C: Didronel is used for the treatment of Paget’s disease.

Option D: Tensilon is used during the Tensilon test for myasthenia gravis.

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