If someone with Guillain-Barré Syndrome has voiding problems, what should you be concerned about?

• A. Need for urinary catheterization
• B. Initiating dialysis
• C. Preparing for ventilatory support due to impending diaphragmatic weakness
• D. Pelvic floor therapy

Answer: (C)

In Guillain-Barré Syndrome, autonomic dysfunction can affect bladder control, so voiding problems may appear. But the most pressing concern is weakness of the respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm, which can progress quickly to ventilatory failure. So the key worry is impending diaphragmatic weakness requiring ventilatory support. This means monitoring closely for declining breathing effort and readiness to provide assistance with ventilation if needed. Urinary issues might necessitate catheterization, but they are not the immediate life-threatening risk in this scenario. Dialysis isn’t indicated here, and pelvic floor therapy addresses longer-term rehab rather than the acute risk of respiratory failure.