What outcome is expected after administering edrophonium chloride to a suspected myasthenia gravis patient?

Administering edrophonium chloride to a patient suspected of having myasthenia gravis is expected to result in decreased muscle weakness. Edrophonium is a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. In myasthenia gravis, the body produces antibodies that block or destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to reduced communication between nerves and muscles and causing muscle weakness.

When edrophonium is given, the increased availability of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction temporarily improves the transmission of signals to the muscle, resulting in a noticeable improvement in muscle strength. This response is typically used in a diagnostic setting to confirm myasthenia gravis; a significant improvement in muscle strength after administration of edrophonium is indicative of the disease.

In contrast, the other options involve outcomes not directly associated with the expected pharmacological action of edrophonium in this context. Progressive difficulty with swallowing, improvement in generalized fatigue, and decreased respiratory effort do not specifically highlight the mechanism by which edrophonium exerts its effects in myasthenia gravis patients.