During the immediate postoperative period, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse is assessing a patient who had hip surgery. The patient is experiencing tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscle rigidity, and his temperature is 103°F (39.4°C). The nurse will prepare for what immediate treatment?
Dantrolene injection, a skeletal muscle relaxant
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation
An anticholinesterase drug, such as neostigmine
Naltrexone hydrochloride injection, an opioid reversal drug
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dantrolene injection, a skeletal muscle relaxant: The patient is exhibiting signs of malignant hyperthermia, a potentially life-threatening complication of anesthesia. Dantrolene is the primary treatment for malignant hyperthermia as it acts as a skeletal muscle relaxant, reducing muscle rigidity and hypermetabolism associated with the condition.
B. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation: While the patient is experiencing significant physiological distress, initiating CPR and intubation would be premature without first addressing the underlying cause, which appears to be malignant hyperthermia.
C. An anticholinesterase drug, such as neostigmine: Anticholinesterase drugs like neostigmine are not indicated for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.
D. Naltrexone hydrochloride injection, an opioid reversal drug: Naltrexone is used for opioid overdose reversal and is not appropriate for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dantrolene injection, a skeletal muscle relaxant: The patient is exhibiting signs of malignant hyperthermia, a potentially life-threatening complication of anesthesia. Dantrolene is the primary treatment for malignant hyperthermia as it acts as a skeletal muscle relaxant, reducing muscle rigidity and hypermetabolism associated with the condition.
B. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation: While the patient is experiencing significant physiological distress, initiating CPR and intubation would be premature without first addressing the underlying cause, which appears to be malignant hyperthermia.
C. An anticholinesterase drug, such as neostigmine: Anticholinesterase drugs like neostigmine are not indicated for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.
D. Naltrexone hydrochloride injection, an opioid reversal drug: Naltrexone is used for opioid overdose reversal and is not appropriate for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Assessment of the patient's pain level: While pain assessment is important, the patient's lethargy and shallow respirations indicate a potential opioid overdose, which takes priority.
B. Close observation of signs of opioid tolerance: The patient's symptoms are indicative of opioid overdose, not tolerance.
C. Immediate intubation and artificial ventilation: While respiratory support may eventually be necessary if the patient's condition deteriorates further, administering naloxone to reverse the opioid effects is the initial priority.
D. Administration of naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors, which can rapidly restore normal respiratory function and
consciousness in patients experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression.
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