[An experience of nursing a client with myasthenia gravis]

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease. It causes the formation of certain antibodies that attack acetylcholine receptors. The consequent reduction in the number of acetylcholine receptors causes impairment in the transduction of neural pulses (Cross, 1999). Clients usually present with ineffective breathing patterns, high risk of aspiration, and activity intolerance. Myasthenia gravis poses a threat not only to the lives of clients, but also of psychological and social impairment. The author describes the nursing evaluation undertaken during the process of caring for a client with myasthenia gravis, and, using Gorden's functional health assessment guide, summarizes six nursing problems, including high risk of aspiration, activity intolerance, knowledge deficit, powerlessness, ineffective breathing pattern and high risk of injury. Nursing intervention using multiple measures improved this client's symptoms of adjustment and understanding of the disease, while also raising the caring ability and quality of life of both client and family.