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 A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Taking prescribed cortisone accurately is the most important instruction for a client diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Cortisone is a type of glucocorticoid replacement therapy that helps to manage the symptoms of Addison’s disease and prevent adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition characterized by acute insufficiency of adrenal hormones.
Choice B rationale
Using a walker when weakness occurs may be helpful for some clients with Addison’s disease, as muscle weakness is a common symptom. However, it is not the most important instruction. The primary treatment for Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy, which should help to alleviate symptoms such as muscle weakness.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding extreme environmental temperatures can be beneficial for individuals with Addison’s disease, as they may have difficulty regulating body temperature due to cortisol deficiency.
However, this is not the most important instruction. The cornerstone of managing Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy.
Choice D rationale
Increasing daily intake of sodium in the diet can be beneficial for some individuals with Addison’s disease, particularly during periods of gastrointestinal illness or intense physical activity. However, this is not the most important instruction. The primary treatment for Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy.

A. The patient should eat a diet high in protein and vitamins A and C. B. The patient should keep their legs elevated when sitting or lying down. C. The patient should maintain as much bed rest as possible. D. The patient should inspect their ankles daily for areas of darkening skin. E. The patient should apply intermittent cold compresses four times daily.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A diet high in protein and vitamins A and C can help promote wound healing. Protein is essential for tissue repair, and vitamins A and C play crucial roles in wound healing and immune function.
Choice B rationale
Keeping legs elevated when sitting or lying down can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing venous leg ulcers.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining as much bed rest as possible is not typically recommended for patients with venous leg ulcers. Physical activity and movement can help improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing venous leg ulcers.
Choice D rationale
Inspecting ankles daily for areas of darkening skin can help detect early signs of worsening venous leg ulcers. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and promote healing.
Choice E rationale
Applying intermittent cold compresses four times daily is not typically recommended for venous leg ulcers. Cold compresses can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area, which may hinder the healing process.

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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 preparing a client for discharge who was recently diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s discharge teaching plan?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to an older patient hospitalized for treatment of venous leg ulcers. What instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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