Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is a hallmark sign of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

1. Severe neck stiffness

2. Symmetrical muscle weakness

3. Memory loss

4. Visual hallucinations

The correct answer is: Symmetrical muscle weakness

The hallmark sign of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is symmetrical muscle weakness. This condition is characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the peripheral nerves, leading to a progressive weakness that typically starts in the legs and can ascend to affect the upper body and potentially impair respiratory muscles. In Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the muscle weakness typically presents symmetrically, meaning that it affects both sides of the body equally, which helps differentiate it from other neurological disorders that may present with asymmetric symptoms. The weakness can range from mild to severe, and patients may also experience other symptoms like numbness, tingling, and in some cases, autonomic dysfunction. Other options do not align with the primary characteristics of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Severe neck stiffness is more indicative of conditions such as meningitis, memory loss is often associated with neurodegenerative disorders or other cognitive impairments, and visual hallucinations are typical symptoms seen in various psychiatric conditions or severe metabolic disturbances. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in critical care nursing.