Question

A nurse is caring for a client with guillain-barré syndrome. the nurse should prepare the client for what essential care related to rehabilitation?

Answer 1

Guillain-Barré syndrome or as known GBS, is a condition when the immune system attacks the nerves sometimes resulting in paralysis or respiratory problems.

Early rehabilitation process can make sure medical stability and an appropriate treatment for the patient and it also includes preventive measures to minimize long term complications. The recovery process for GBS varies from 6 months to 2 years during which fatigue is a major symptom. They are in an acute care environment during the acute phase of this disorder, so they will have to take it slowly. Also the client may need a ventilator until the paralysis goes away.

Answer 2

GBS is a serious and life-threatening condition (10% of untreated patients, 3% of treated patients). It can quickly induce respiratory or hemodynamic failure and require constant monitoring and specialized rehabilitation to limit neuropathic pain and the onset of musculoskeletal contractions. The severity of the nadir involvement, the presence of respiratory failure, the rapid progression of symptoms (17 days) to hospitalization, and a high age are the main factors of poor prognosis.

The nurse must prepare the patient by giving him an immunomodulatory treatment, in addition to analgesic treatment in case of pain to relieve the patient during the acute phases.

The treatment uses an immunomodulator: immunoglobulin infusions (Ig i.v.) or plasma exchanges in case of impaired walking, breathing or threat to the airways. It must be started no later than two weeks after the onset of symptoms. In patients with back pain, paracetamol and NSAIDs should be used first-line, dexamethasone (3 x 3 mg / day) may also be useful. Opiates should be used with care.

After the acute phase, the patient usually needs specialized rehabilitation.