G.B.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Pathophysiology

RAPID ascending paralysis starting in the legs & eventually reaching the
respiratory system, which kills the client within a few hours to a few days.

Memory Trick:
Ground up barees - paralysis from the legs up

Causes:

Triggered by an infection

Signs & Symptoms:

NCLEX Question
Ascending Symmetrical
muscle weakness
Lower extremity weakness Priority finding:
Client with Guillain-Barré?
Absent deep-tendon reflexes
Inability to lift head or
Neuromuscular respiratory failure cough
Respiratory failure - early signs :
Inability to cough NCLEX TIP
Inability to lift the head or
eyebrows NCLEX TIP KAPLAN
Shallow respirations
Dyspnea and hypoxia Priority for patient with G.B.
Prepare mechanical ventilator
for client with worsening
Guillain Barre

Nursing Intervention:

- Intubation setup bedside &

- Mechanical Ventilator

Treatments:

• IVIG

Plasmapheresis (Plasma exchange) to remove antibodies

Filte
• rs the
bloo
d to
that contribute to the destruction of neurons. rem
ove
antib
odies
that
cont
r ibut
e to