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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Latent hepatitis C is not a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. While it may require additional monitoring and treatment, it does not prevent a patient from receiving peritoneal dialysis.
Choice B rationale
Crohn’s disease with colectomy is a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. The presence of extensive adhesions and fibrosis from the surgery can make the peritoneum unsuitable for dialysis.
Choice C rationale
A history of nephrotic syndrome is not a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder, and peritoneal dialysis can be used as a treatment for patients with kidney disease.
Choice D rationale
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. Many patients with diabetes undergo peritoneal dialysis. However, careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary, as the dialysis solution used in peritoneal dialysis contains glucose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A CT scan of the chest can be performed to detect the severity of infection in pneumonia. However, it is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed. It is usually recommended if the pneumonia isn’t clearing as quickly as expected.
Choice B rationale
Arterial blood gases (ABG) can be used to measure the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream. However, ABG is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture test is often used to confirm the cause of infection in pneumonia. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) after a deep cough and analyzing it to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.
Choice D rationale
Blood cultures can identify the germ causing your pneumonia and also show whether a bacterial infection has spread to your blood. However, they are not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.
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