What question should the nurse ask to help support the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome?

To support the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), the nurse should inquire about recent infections. This is particularly relevant because a common precursor to GBS is a recent viral or bacterial infection, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. The connection between infections and the subsequent development of GBS is well-documented; the syndrome often follows infectious illnesses where the body’s immune response mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system.

Asking about recent infections helps to establish a timeline and context that supports the diagnosis. Detecting a link between a patient's recent illness and the onset of neurological symptoms, such as muscle weakness or changes in reflexes, enhances the suspicion of GBS. This context is crucial for clinicians to consider GBS as a potential diagnosis, especially when evaluating patients with progressive weakness.