For clients with Parkinson disease and myasthenia gravis, for what common complication should a nurse assess?

For clients with Parkinson disease and myasthenia gravis, the common complication that requires assessment is difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia. Both conditions can affect the muscles involved in swallowing. In Parkinson's disease, motor control is impaired, which can lead to a reduced ability to coordinate the muscles necessary for swallowing, increasing the risk of aspiration and subsequently affecting nutrition and hydration.

Similarly, in myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder leading to varying degrees of weakness in skeletal muscles, dysphagia can also occur due to the weakness of the muscles involved in the swallowing process. This can pose serious risks, including choking and aspiration pneumonia, making it critical for healthcare providers to closely monitor clients for signs of swallowing difficulties.

Other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not serve as primary complications associated with these two neurological conditions. For example, increased blood pressure is not a typical complication related to either condition, and visual disturbances may occasionally occur but are not as universally prevalent as swallowing difficulties. Frequent urination is not a primary concern in these disorders either. Thus, identifying and managing dysphagia is vital in the care of patients with Parkinson disease and myasthenia gravis.