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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Huff coughing is a method that forces mucus up your throat by breathing it in, holding it, and actively exhaling. It’s different from a typical cough and more effective in clearing mucus from the lungs. Pursed-lip breathing, which the patient is doing, is not part of the huff coughing technique.
Choice B rationale
Taking several shallow breaths before the next exhalation is not part of the huff coughing technique. The technique involves taking a slow and deep breath until your lungs are about 75% full, holding your breath for two to three seconds, and then exhaling slowly but strongly.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the patient to inhale deeply and then quickly and forcefully exhale 2 to 3 times is the correct method for huff coughing. This technique helps to move mucus from the smaller airways to the larger ones, making it easier to cough up and out.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in the semi-Fowler’s position and applying oxygen is not part of the huff coughing technique. While oxygen therapy can be beneficial for patients with COPD, it does not directly aid in the huff coughing technique.

A. Latent hepatitis C. B. Crohn’s disease with colectomy. C. History of nephrotic syndrome. D. Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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.

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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?

Rationale for Other Options:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is teaching a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about huff coughing to clear secretions. During the patient’s return demonstration, the patient exhales using pursed lips. What should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and needs to begin dialysis. Which condition entered on the client’s medical record should the nurse recognize as a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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