What symptom should a nurse assess closely in a client with newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis?

In a client with newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis, assessing muscle fatigue closely is critical. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles. This condition occurs due to a disruption in communication between nerves and muscles, primarily affecting the transmission at the neuromuscular junction.

Muscle fatigue in this context can manifest as difficulties in activities such as speaking, swallowing, or sustaining physical effort, and it tends to worsen with activity and improve with rest. This symptomatic fatigue is a hallmark feature of the disease and can significantly impact the client's daily functioning and quality of life. Therefore, monitoring muscle strength and fatigue levels can help guide treatment decisions and therapeutic interventions.

While confusion, skin rash, and rapid heartbeat can be associated with various neurological or systemic conditions, they are not primary symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Therefore, they would not require the same level of focused assessment as muscle fatigue in this specific diagnosis.