Which symptom might suggest the presence of an aspiration risk in clients with myasthenia gravis?

Progressive weakness of the oropharyngeal muscles is a key symptom that suggests a risk of aspiration in clients with myasthenia gravis. This condition primarily affects the muscles responsible for controlling speech and swallowing, leading to difficulties in safely managing food and liquids. When the oropharyngeal muscles weaken, it can result in a reduced ability to effectively swallow, increasing the likelihood that food or liquids may enter the airway instead of the esophagus—a situation known as aspiration. This can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, highlighting the importance of monitoring swallowing function in individuals with myasthenia gravis.

The other symptoms mentioned might not directly indicate aspiration risk. Excessive salivation may be a result of muscle control issues but does not inherently suggest difficulty with swallowing or airway protection. Smiling excessively is not typically associated with myasthenia gravis’ symptoms and does not indicate any swallowing or aspiration issues. Shortness of breath during exertion may relate to overall muscle weakness or respiratory muscle involvement, but it does not specifically point to the swallowing difficulties that increase the risk of aspiration. Therefore, the progressive weakness of the oropharyngeal muscles is the most relevant indicator of aspiration risk in this context.