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
While the renin-angiotensin response can be affected in cirrhosis, it is not the primary mechanism contributing to edema and ascites. In cirrhosis, there can be a decrease in renal blood flow which can lead to activation of the renin-angiotensin system, but this is not the main cause of fluid accumulation.
Choice B rationale
Hypoalbuminemia, or low levels of albumin in the blood, is a common occurrence in cirrhosis. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure, which keeps fluid in the blood vessels. When albumin levels are low, fluid can leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the abdomen (ascites) and in the tissues, causing edema.
Choice C rationale
Hyperaldosteronism can occur in cirrhosis and can contribute to fluid retention. However, it is not the primary mechanism leading to edema and ascites. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, which can contribute to fluid retention, but this is usually a secondary response to other changes in the body.
Choice D rationale
Decreased portacaval pressure with greater collateral circulation is not the primary mechanism contributing to edema and ascites in cirrhosis. While portal hypertension is a common complication of cirrhosis, it is not directly responsible for the development of edema and ascites.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A lumbar puncture is a key diagnostic procedure for suspected bacterial meningitis. It allows for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid, which can be analyzed for signs of bacterial infection.
Choice B rationale
Skull radiography is not typically used to diagnose bacterial meningitis. While it can help identify abnormalities in the structure of the skull or brain, it cannot detect the presence of bacteria.
Choice C rationale
While an MRI can provide detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues, it is not the primary tool for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. It may be used in conjunction with other tests, but a lumbar puncture is more definitive.
Choice D rationale
A CT scan can be used to detect abnormalities in the brain, such as swelling or inflammation, which could be indicative of meningitis. However, it cannot definitively diagnose bacterial meningitis.
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