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Guillain-Barre syndrome — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateNeurological emergenciesGuillain-Barre syndromeABEM Board

A 39-year-old man arrives with progressive weakness after diarrheal illness. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 150/92 mm Hg, HR 118/min, RR 24/min. He has symmetric ascending weakness, areflexia, and paresthesias. Forced vital capacity is 16 mL/kg. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Admit to the ICU for respiratory monitoring and immunotherapy planning

Low forced vital capacity in Guillain-Barre syndrome indicates impending respiratory failure risk and requires ICU-level monitoring.

Reference: AAN Guillain-Barre guidance; emergency neurology references