For a patient diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), what is the nurse's priority assessment?

For a patient diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), what is the nurse's priority assessment?

• A. Neurological assessment
• B. Cardiac assessment
• C. Respiratory assessment
• D. Pain assessment

Answer: (C)

In the context of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), the priority for the nurse’s assessment focuses on respiratory function. GBS is characterized by rapid onset muscle weakness that can progress to paralysis. One of the critical complications of this condition is respiratory failure due to weakness of the respiratory muscles, which can occur as the condition progresses. Therefore, early and thorough assessment of the patient's respiratory status is essential for identifying any signs of respiratory distress, such as changes in breathing patterns, decreased oxygen saturation, or the need for respiratory support. In GBS, patients can also experience difficulties in swallowing and coughing, which further increases the risk of aspiration and respiratory complications. Moreover, as the disease can lead to autonomic dysfunction, closely monitoring the patient's respiratory status becomes crucial in the context of overall patient safety and timely intervention. While other assessments such as neurological, cardiac, and pain assessments are important and should be performed, respiratory assessment takes precedence given the potential life-threatening nature of respiratory compromise in GBS. Hence, maintaining vigilance in assessing respiratory function is vital in managing patients diagnosed with this syndrome.

In the context of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), the priority for the nurse’s assessment focuses on respiratory function. GBS is characterized by rapid onset muscle weakness that can progress to paralysis. One of the critical complications of this condition is respiratory failure due to weakness of the respiratory muscles, which can occur as the condition progresses. Therefore, early and thorough assessment of the patient's respiratory status is essential for identifying any signs of respiratory distress, such as changes in breathing patterns, decreased oxygen saturation, or the need for respiratory support.

In GBS, patients can also experience difficulties in swallowing and coughing, which further increases the risk of aspiration and respiratory complications. Moreover, as the disease can lead to autonomic dysfunction, closely monitoring the patient's respiratory status becomes crucial in the context of overall patient safety and timely intervention.

While other assessments such as neurological, cardiac, and pain assessments are important and should be performed, respiratory assessment takes precedence given the potential life-threatening nature of respiratory compromise in GBS. Hence, maintaining vigilance in assessing respiratory function is vital in managing patients diagnosed with this syndrome.