A patient with progressive muscle weakness and poor balance is suspected of having muscular dystrophy. What test would the nurse expect the physician to order to confirm the diagnosis?

Muscle biopsy

Explanation

• Muscle biopsy is the traditional diagnostic tool for muscular dystrophy. Recent years have shown an increase in genetic testing for diagnosis, rather than muscle biopsy

• MRIs are not used in the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

• Family history alone is not sufficient enough information for a diagnosis

• Electromyography can indicate the presence of muscle or nerve disease, but it is not specific to muscular dystrophy

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