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NCLEX Review: 7 Facts About Guillain Barré Syndrome

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4. Complications

  • Residual numbness 
  • Heart and blood pressure problems
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Pain
  • Bowel and bladder function problems
  • Blood clots
  • Pressure sores
  • Relapse

It is important for the patient to notify their doctor of the following experiences:

  • Tingling or weakness that spreads
  • Breathing is difficult for the patient
  • Choked by own saliva
  • Tingling sensations that start in the patient’s toes or feet that and move up the body

5. Diagnosis

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis can help with the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The doctor will take the spinal fluid sample from the patient using a spinal tap procedure. The patient may feel a little pressure on the back while the patient is in a side-lying position.

It is advised that the patient remains in the side-lying position. Two hours of staying in a side-lying position can help prevent headaches after the procedure.

6. Treatment

  • Acute care
  • Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)
  • High dose immunoglobulin therapy: These therapies are only effective within two weeks after the onset of GBS syndrome. Yet, studies have shown that there is no proven benefit of this therapy
  • Corticosteroids
  • Supportive care
  • Rehabilitative care
  •  

7. Nursing Interventions

  • Check for changes in the breathing pattern such as the frequency, symmetry, and depth of breathing. Look for changes in skin color, capillary refill, and skin temperature.
  • Look for respiratory fatigue signs, characterized by shortness of breath, impaired cough, and decreased attention span.
  • Listen to lung sounds for any changes and notify the physician immediately.
  • Track oxygen saturation of the patient. This test is used to check the patient’s oxygen level in the body. 
  • Adjust the bed between 35 degrees to 45 degrees to increase the expansion of the lungs. This will assist the patient with proper breathing.
  • Educate the patient about the benefits of chest physiotherapy. This includes deep breathing exercises and chest percussion among others. Perform as advised.
  • Suction secretions.
  • Check laboratory values such as serum albumin and total protein counts.
  • Educate the patient about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
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