A client with myasthenia gravis, who has been taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon), tells the nurse, "This medication's side effects are making me uncomfortable." The nurse would expect the client to complain of the medication causing which of the following effects? A. Muscle cramps B. Dry mouth C. Decreased lacrimation D. Hyperactivity episodes

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles. Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) is a medication used to treat this condition. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby improving muscle strength.

Let's analyze the options one by one to see which side effect(s) are associated with the use of pyridostigmine: A. Muscle cramps - These may occur as a side effect of pyridostigmine. The medication can increase muscle contractions, which may lead to muscle cramps in some individuals. B. Dry mouth - This is not a common side effect of pyridostigmine. The medication primarily affects skeletal muscles, not the salivary glands that produce saliva. C. Decreased lacrimation - This is also not a typical side effect of pyridostigmine, as it does not directly affect tear production. D. Hyperactivity episodes - These are not associated with pyridostigmine. The medication helps improve muscle strength, but it does not cause hyperactivity.

Based on our analysis of the given options, the side effect a client taking pyridostigmine might complain about is: A. Muscle cramps