The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The health care provider plans to perform an edrophonium (Enlon) test on the client to determine the presence of cholinergic crisis. In addition to planning care for the client during this testing, which equipment will the nurse ensure is at the bedside?

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The health care provider plans to perform an edrophonium (Enlon) test on the client to determine the presence of cholinergic crisis. In addition to planning care for the client during this testing, which equipment will the nurse ensure is at the bedside?

• A. Cardiac monitor
• B. Oxygen equipment
• C. Vial of protamine sulfate and a syringe
• D. Potassium injection and a liter of normal saline solution

Answer: (B)

During the edrophonium (Enlon) test for myasthenia gravis, the main risk is a cholinergic crisis that can cause airway secretion, bronchospasm, and weakness of the respiratory muscles leading to hypoxemia. Having oxygen equipment at the bedside allows immediate support of ventilation and oxygenation if respiratory distress develops during the test. While monitoring is useful, the most critical immediate need is to ensure safe breathing and adequate oxygen delivery. The other items listed aren’t relevant to this scenario (reversing heparin with protamine, or administering potassium or saline).

During the edrophonium (Enlon) test for myasthenia gravis, the main risk is a cholinergic crisis that can cause airway secretion, bronchospasm, and weakness of the respiratory muscles leading to hypoxemia. Having oxygen equipment at the bedside allows immediate support of ventilation and oxygenation if respiratory distress develops during the test. While monitoring is useful, the most critical immediate need is to ensure safe breathing and adequate oxygen delivery. The other items listed aren’t relevant to this scenario (reversing heparin with protamine, or administering potassium or saline).