A nurse is assisting with the care of a postoperative client who has developed malignant hyperthermia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer meperidine IM.
Instill a warm enema solution.
Apply a cooling blanket.
Ventilate client with 50% oxygen.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Administer meperidine IM is incorrect. Reason why it's not the answer: Meperidine (Demerol) is not recommended in cases of malignant hyperthermia. It can potentially exacerbate the situation by further increasing muscle rigidity and potentially contributing to the hypermetabolic state. Meperidine can trigger additional release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscles, worsening the symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
Instill a warm enema solution is incorrect. Reason why it's not the answer: Introducing warm solutions can exacerbate the client's condition by further increasing body temperature. Malignant hyperthermia is characterized by a dangerous increase in body temperature, and adding heat through an enema would only make the situation worse.
Choice C Reason:
Applying a cooling blanket is recommendable. Reason why it's the answer: A cooling blanket is a recommended intervention for managing malignant hyperthermia. Lowering the body temperature is crucial in preventing further complications associated with the high fever. Cooling blankets help dissipate heat from the body, aiding in rapidly reducing the dangerously elevated temperature associated with malignant hyperthermia.
Choice D Reason:
Ventilate client with 50% oxygen is incorrect. Reason why it's not the answer: While providing oxygen support might be necessary as part of managing the overall condition, ventilating with 50% oxygen specifically may not directly address the core issue of rapidly cooling the body during a malignant hyperthermia crisis. Ventilation may be required, but the immediate concern is to cool the body to prevent complications arising from the elevated body temperature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Instructing the client to tilt their head back to facilitate swallowing is not appropriate. Tilting the head back can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) for individuals with dysphagia. Instead, the client should maintain an upright position while eating.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging the client to use a straw is inappropriate. Using a straw might increase the risk of aspiration because it can bypass the control mechanisms involved in safe swallowing, especially for someone with swallowing difficulties.
Choice C Reason:
Providing oral care before meals is correct. Providing oral care before meals helps to ensure that the client's mouth is clean, reducing the risk of infections and improving taste perception, which can enhance the client's willingness and ability to eat.
Choice D Reason:
Schedule physical therapy directly before meals is incorrect. Scheduling physical therapy directly before meals might tire the client and impact their ability to eat. Fatigue can negatively affect swallowing ability, so it's generally better to allow some rest or recovery time before meals.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I wish my sexual relationship with my partner was like it was before." This statement indicates a desire to return to the previous state, implying a sense of dissatisfaction or longing for the way things were before the ileostomy surgery, rather than acceptance of the current situation.
Choice B Reason:
"I have my partner empty the bag for me, so I don't have to look at it."While having a partner assist with bag management might indicate some level of adaptation, the statement implies avoidance or discomfort in dealing directly with the ileostomy. It may suggest a lack of full acceptance or adjustment to the presence of the ileostomy.
Choice C Reason:
“I look forward to having normal bowel movements again." This statement expresses a desire to return to the previous bodily function, indicating a longing for the way things were before the surgery rather than complete acceptance of the ileostomy as a new way of managing bowel movements.
Choice D Reason:
"I will attend a support group to help me handle difficulties when they occur." Attending a support group demonstrates a proactive approach toward acceptance and adjustment to living with an ileostomy. It shows the client's willingness to seek support, learn coping strategies, and engage with others facing similar challenges.

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