Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What phase follows the acute phase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

1. Recovery phase

2. Plateau phase

3. Chronic phase

4. Remission phase

The correct answer is: Plateau phase

In Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the phase that follows the acute phase is the plateau phase. During the acute phase, patients typically experience rapid neurological decline, with symptoms such as muscle weakness and sensory changes progressing over a period of days to weeks. Once the acute phase has subsided, the plateau phase can occur, where the neurological symptoms may stabilize but do not necessarily show significant improvement. This plateau is crucial as it indicates that the patient is no longer experiencing the worsening symptoms characteristic of the acute phase, but they are not yet in the recovery process. Understanding this progression helps healthcare professionals manage expectations regarding patient outcomes and design appropriate rehabilitation strategies. The recovery phase follows the plateau phase, where gradual improvement begins, leading to the potential for the patient to regain strength and sensory function. In contrast, chronic or remission phases suggest a different context that relates to various disease processes and are not applicable in the traditional phases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.