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. The benefit to eating frequent small meals during the day: Nonselective beta-blockers can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder for patients with diabetes to recognize low
blood sugar levels. Eating frequent small meals can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
B. Perform more frequent blood glucose checks due to effects of the drug: While it's important for patients with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, this instruction doesn't directly address the potential masking of hypoglycemia symptoms by beta-blockers.
C. The need to weight himself once per week at the same time of the day: Weight monitoring is important for overall health management but is not specifically related to the use of nonselective beta-blockers in diabetes management.
D. The correct method for taking their own apical pulse: Knowing how to take one's own apical pulse is important for some individuals, but it's not directly related to the management of
diabetes with nonselective beta-blockers.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug: Increasing fluid intake is actually recommended to manage potential constipation, another common side effect of anticholinergic medications.
B. Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur: Discontinuing medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not advisable. Patients should be educated to report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption: Benztropine is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach upset.
D. Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth: Anticholinergic medications such as benztropine commonly cause dry mouth as a side effect. Stimulating saliva production with these measures can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
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