Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following physical examination findings is associated with myasthenia gravis?

1. Mydriasis

2. Hepatomegaly

3. Miosis

4. Ptosis

The correct answer is: Ptosis

In the context of myasthenia gravis, ptosis is the correct physical examination finding to identify. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness in the skeletal muscles, specifically those that control voluntary movements. Ptosis refers to the drooping of one or both eyelids and is a common symptom of this condition. This occurs due to the weakness of the muscles that control eyelid elevation, which are affected by the impaired transmission at the neuromuscular junction. This characteristic finding often develops in the context of ocular myasthenia gravis, where individuals may initially present with symptoms that predominantly involve the eyes, such as ptosis and diplopia (double vision). The presence of ptosis can be significant in the clinical assessment of a patient suspected of having myasthenia gravis. Other findings mentioned in the options, such as mydriasis (dilated pupils), hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and miosis (constricted pupils), are not typically associated with myasthenia gravis. Instead, they pertain to other conditions or causes and do not characterize the hallmark features of this particular neuromuscular disorder.