A nurse is admitting a client with myasthenia gravis. Which bedside item is essential to anticipate airway compromise?

A nurse is admitting a client with myasthenia gravis. Which bedside item is essential to anticipate airway compromise?

• A. Endotracheal tube
• B. Oral-nasal suction equipment
• C. Oxygen administration mask
• D. Nebulizer treatment

Answer: (B)

Weakness of the muscles that control the throat and airway in myasthenia gravis makes it easy for secretions to accumulate and for the airway to become obstructed. Having oral-nasal suction equipment at the bedside allows rapid clearance of secretions or mucus, helping to maintain a clear airway and prevent airway compromise as the patient is admitted and assessed. Endotracheal tube would be used if the patient fails to maintain ventilation, not as a preventive measure at admission. An oxygen mask supports oxygenation once the airway is already patent, but it doesn’t address potential blockage from secretions. A nebulizer treats certain airway conditions but does not proactively prevent airway obstruction from accumulated secretions.

Weakness of the muscles that control the throat and airway in myasthenia gravis makes it easy for secretions to accumulate and for the airway to become obstructed. Having oral-nasal suction equipment at the bedside allows rapid clearance of secretions or mucus, helping to maintain a clear airway and prevent airway compromise as the patient is admitted and assessed.

Endotracheal tube would be used if the patient fails to maintain ventilation, not as a preventive measure at admission. An oxygen mask supports oxygenation once the airway is already patent, but it doesn’t address potential blockage from secretions. A nebulizer treats certain airway conditions but does not proactively prevent airway obstruction from accumulated secretions.