A nurse in a post anesthesia care unit is caring for a client who is recovering from general anesthesia and is experiencing malignant hyperthermia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer dantrolene sodium IV.
Monitor client for rapid decrease in heart rate.
Infuse chilled lactated Ringer's IV.
Provide oxygen at 12 L/min via Venturi mask.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Administer dantrolene sodium IV: Dantrolene sodium is the treatment of choice for malignant hyperthermia. It acts as a muscle relaxant by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscles, which helps to halt the hypermetabolic crisis.
B) Monitor client for rapid decrease in heart rate: While monitoring vital signs is essential, a rapid decrease in heart rate is not a typical manifestation of malignant hyperthermia. The nurse should primarily focus on interventions to reduce hyperthermia and stabilize the client's condition.
C) Infuse chilled lactated Ringer's IV: Infusing chilled IV fluids can help lower the body temperature in malignant hyperthermia. However, this intervention is supportive and secondary to the administration of dantrolene sodium, which directly addresses the underlying pathophysiology.
D) Provide oxygen at 12 L/min via Venturi mask: Providing high-flow oxygen is necessary to manage hypoxia and metabolic acidosis associated with malignant hyperthermia. Nonetheless, this action is secondary to administering dantrolene sodium, which is crucial to stopping the hyperthermic crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Fever: Myxedema coma is characterized by hypothermia rather than fever. The client with myxedema coma may experience a lowered body temperature, reflecting the severe hypothyroidism associated with this condition.
B) Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated sodium levels, is a common finding in myxedema coma. This occurs due to impaired renal function and decreased aldosterone levels, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes, including sodium.
C) Hypertension: Typically, myxedema coma presents with hypotension rather than hypertension. The condition is associated with decreased cardiac output and low blood pressure, not elevated blood pressure.
D) Hypoglycemia: In myxedema coma, hypoglycemia is not typically expected. Instead, patients may experience hypoglycemia due to reduced metabolic rate and decreased glycogen stores. However, hyperglycemia is more commonly observed in other endocrine disorders, not specifically in myxedema coma.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Diarrhea: Metabolic alkalosis is more likely to be associated with constipation rather than diarrhea. Diarrhea is typically a cause of metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate in stool, rather than a result of metabolic alkalosis.
B) Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis can lead to arrhythmias, but it generally does not cause a slow heart rate. Instead, tachycardia might occur as the body compensates for the altered acid-base balance.
C) Tinnitus: Tinnitus is not a common symptom of metabolic alkalosis. It is more often associated with aspirin toxicity or other conditions affecting the auditory system, rather than changes in acid-base balance.
D) Tetany: Tetany is a common manifestation of metabolic alkalosis. The alkalosis causes a decrease in ionized calcium levels, which increases neuromuscular excitability and can lead to muscle cramps, spasms, and tetany. This is a key sign for nurses to monitor as it indicates significant electrolyte disturbances associated with the alkalotic state.
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