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?

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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