Neuromuscular respiratory failure: what the nurse knows may make the difference

The incidence of pulmonary compromise in neuromuscular disease is a well-established phenomenon. Classic symptoms of impending respiratory failure may be absent or nebulous however, in the neuromuscular patient. It is for this reason, that the neuroscience nurse should develop expertise in both the neuro and pulmonary sciences. The focus of this article will be on two neuromuscular patient populations at high risk of respiratory failure--myasthenics and those with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.