A nurse is caring for a client receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal (ET) tube. The high-pressure alarm is beeping, and the client is experiencing respiratory distress. The nurse is unable to determine the cause of the alarm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

- A. Diarrhea is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Diarrhea may be caused by other factors, such as infection, food intolerance, or stress. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

- B. Frequent urination is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline either. Frequent urination may be a sign of diabetes, urinary tract infection, or other conditions that affect the kidneys or bladder. Therefore, this choice is also incorrect.

- C. Excessive salivation is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline as well. Excessive salivation may be due to increased production of saliva, difficulty swallowing, or mouth irritation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect too.

- D. Blurred vision is an adverse effect of amitriptyline and other TCAs. Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. These effects are more pronounced in older adults and can impair their daily functioning and quality of life. Therefore, this choice is correct and the nurse should identify it as an adverse effect of the medication.

Rationale:

A: Obtain the latex free cart is incorrect. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.

B: Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is not the primary condition that the client is experiencing, but a possible secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.

C: Nausea and vomiting is incorrect. Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative symptoms that may or may not be related to malignant hyperthermia.

D:Malignant hyperthermia (MH) itself does not inherently include hypercapnia as a defining characteristic. However, during an episode of malignant hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis can occur due to the increased production of lactic acid and carbon dioxide as byproducts of the hypermetabolic state. This acidosis can potentially lead to respiratory compensation mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate and depth, to attempt to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the body. In some cases, if the compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to adequately remove carbon dioxide, hypercapnia can develop as a secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.

E: nasogastric (NG) tube is incorrect. An NG tube may be indicated for paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction, but not for malignant hyperthermia.

- F: Malignant hyperthermia is correct. The client's vital signs indicate a possible malignant hypertermia reaction, which is a rare but life-threatening complication of general anesthesia that causes a rapid rise in body temperature, muscle rigidity, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia.

- G: Administer ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication that can help with nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of malignant hyperthermia.

- H: Administer dantrolene is correct. Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be given as soon as possible to stop the metabolic crisis and lower the body temperature.

- I: Latex allergy is incorrect. Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to latex products that can cause urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.

- J: Urticaria is incorrect. Urticaria is a skin rash that can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, or other factors. There is no evidence that the client has urticaria or that it is related to malignant hyperthermia.

- K: Muscle rigidity is correct. Muscle rigidity is one of the signs of malignant hyperthermia and should be monitored closely by the nurse.

- L: Bowel sounds is correct. Bowel sounds should be assessed regularly by the nurse to detect any signs of paralytic ileus, which is a potential complication of malignant hyperthermia that causes intestinal obstruction and abdominal distension.