A patient in the operating room has been administered succinylcholine and is now experiencing muscle rigidity and an extremely high temperature. What should the nurse do next?
Call the PACU nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support.
Hold a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced.
Prepare ice packs for placement in the patient’s axillary area.
Determine if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
C. Prepare ice packs for placement in the patient’s axillary area.This response is crucial because the symptoms described—muscle rigidity and hyperthermia—are indicative of malignant hyperthermia, a serious reaction that can occur after the administration of succinylcholine, especially in conjunction with certain anesthetics. Immediate cooling measures, such as applying ice packs, are essential to help reduce the patient's elevated body temperature.
Rationale for Other Options:
- A. Call the PACU nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support.: While preparing for ventilatory support may be necessary later, immediate action to address hyperthermia is critical.
- B. Hold a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced.: Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be administered as soon as possible rather than held.
- D. Determine if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively.: This action is not relevant to the immediate management of malignant hyperthermia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the client to continue their walking routine is a supportive and positive response. This acknowledges the client’s desire to stay active and engage in activities they enjoy despite their osteoarthritis. It promotes a sense of empowerment and independence, which can be important for overall well-being.
Choice B rationale
Advising less weight-bearing to prevent joint destruction may seem logical, but it is not the best advice. Regular exercise, including walking, can actually help manage osteoarthritis by strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving flexibility, and reducing pain.
Choice C rationale
Recommending walking indoors for improved stability and safety might be helpful in some cases, but it is not necessarily the best response. The client has expressed a desire to continue walking in the park with friends, which also has social and mental health benefits.
Choice D rationale
Suggesting a calcium supplement along with continued walking is not the best advice. While calcium is important for bone health, osteoarthritis is not caused by a lack of calcium. It’s a degenerative joint disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While lean beef, salads, and baked potatoes can be part of a balanced diet, they do not specifically target the prevention of colon and rectal cancers. Red meat, in particular, has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Choice B rationale
Potatoes, low-fat breads, and applesauce can be part of a balanced diet, but they do not specifically target the prevention of colon and rectal cancers. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is more beneficial.
Choice C rationale
A diet rich in oatmeal, raisins, and fruit with skin is high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancers. This is especially important for clients with a strong family history of these cancers.
Choice D rationale
Chicken, rice, and wheat products can be part of a balanced diet, but they do not specifically target the prevention of colon and rectal cancers. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is more beneficial.
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