In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which body system should the nurse focus on to identify life-threatening complications as the disease progresses?

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which body system should the nurse focus on to identify life-threatening complications as the disease progresses?

• A. Neurologic
• B. Gastrointestinal
• C. Cardiopulmonary
• D. Musculoskeletal

Answer: (C)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy progressively weakens the muscles that support breathing and the heart. The resulting life-threatening complications as the disease advances are respiratory failure from weakened diaphragm and chest wall muscles, and cardiomyopathy affecting cardiac function. So, the nurse should focus on the cardiopulmonary system, regularly assessing lung capacity and ventilation, airway clearance, signs of nocturnal hypoventilation or respiratory infection, and cardiac function for early signs of heart failure. While neurologic, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal issues are present, they are less likely to produce immediate life-threatening deterioration compared with respiratory and cardiac problems.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy progressively weakens the muscles that support breathing and the heart. The resulting life-threatening complications as the disease advances are respiratory failure from weakened diaphragm and chest wall muscles, and cardiomyopathy affecting cardiac function. So, the nurse should focus on the cardiopulmonary system, regularly assessing lung capacity and ventilation, airway clearance, signs of nocturnal hypoventilation or respiratory infection, and cardiac function for early signs of heart failure. While neurologic, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal issues are present, they are less likely to produce immediate life-threatening deterioration compared with respiratory and cardiac problems.