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 A
Explanation
A) Help the client role play alternative solutions to identified problems: Role-playing can be a highly effective intervention for clients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It allows clients to practice and develop problem-solving skills in a safe and supportive environment. By simulating different scenarios, clients can explore various responses and coping mechanisms, which can help reduce anxiety by increasing their confidence and preparedness for real-life situations.
B) Have the client write a list of personal characteristics they feel need improvement: This approach may inadvertently increase a client's anxiety by focusing on perceived personal shortcomings. It is more beneficial to focus on strengths and positive attributes to build self-esteem and resilience. Encouraging self-criticism can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and contribute to a negative self-concept.
C) Give the client detailed instructions when providing teaching about ways to cope: While providing information is important, detailed instructions can sometimes overwhelm clients with GAD, leading to increased anxiety. It is more effective to offer clear, concise, and manageable steps and to ensure that the client fully understands and feels comfortable with each coping strategy before moving on to the next one.
D) Give the client an alternative interpretation of the client's perception of a situation: Offering alternative interpretations can be helpful, but it must be done cautiously. Clients with GAD may feel invalidated if their perceptions are dismissed or challenged too directly. It is more supportive to guide clients to explore and consider different perspectives on their own, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy in managing their anxiety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Limit crossing your legs at your knees to 30 minutes at a time: Crossing the legs at the knees can restrict blood flow and increase venous pressure, which is detrimental to clients with venous insufficiency. It's generally advised to avoid crossing legs altogether rather than limiting it to 30 minutes.
B) Elevate the head of the bed when sleeping at night: Elevating the head of the bed does not significantly aid in improving venous return from the legs. Elevating the legs instead helps reduce venous pressure and promotes better circulation, which is more beneficial for venous insufficiency.
C) Wash your graduated compression stockings in the washing machine: Washing compression stockings in a washing machine can damage their elasticity and effectiveness. It's better to hand wash them and let them air dry to maintain their compression properties.
D) Put on your graduated compression stockings before getting out of bed: Putting on compression stockings before getting out of bed helps to prevent blood from pooling in the legs. This maximizes their effectiveness in reducing edema and promoting venous return throughout the day.
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