A patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome is most likely to exhibit which of the following signs and symptoms?

In Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), the classic presentation includes progressive muscle weakness that typically starts in the distal muscles and ascends to the proximal muscles. This pattern of weakness essentially signifies that the lower limbs tend to exhibit weakness first, often progressing upwards to affect the trunk and upper limbs.

The diminished deep tendon reflexes seen in GBS are due to the demyelination of peripheral nerves, which disrupts the normal reflex arc. Reflexes that are normally intact may become absent as the condition progresses, mirroring the muscle weakness.

The other signs—such as diplopia, which is double vision, can occur in some cases of GBS but is not characteristic of the typical presentation. Therefore, the option indicating weakness that begins distally and ascends to proximal muscles, along with diminished reflexes, accurately encapsulates the hallmark features of Guillain-Barré syndrome, confirming its distinction from other neurological disorders.