Nursing Interventions: Guillain-Barre Syndrome

1. Turn and reposition the patient, and encourage coughing and deep breathing.
2. If respiratory failure becomes imminent, establish an emergency airway with an endotracheal tube.
3. Give meticulous skin care to prevent skin-breakdown and contractures.
4. Perform passive range of motion exercises within the patient’s pain limits.
5. To prevent aspiration, test the gag reflex and elevate the head of the bed before giving the patient anything to eat.
6. To prevent thrombophlebitis, apply anti-embolism stockings or compression boots and give prophylactic anticoagulants as ordered.
7. If the patient has facial paralysis, give eye and mouth care every 4 hours.
8. Offer bed pan every 3 to 4 hours to monitor intake and output regularly.
9. To prevent or relieve constipation, offer prune juice and high bulk diet.
10. Administer medications as ordered. Analgesics may be prescribed to relieve muscle stiffness and spasm.
11. Provide diversions for the patient, such as televisions, family visits, or listening to the radio.
12. Provide emotional support to the patient and his family.