A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following administration of general anesthesia.
Select from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Condition Most Likely Experiencing: Malignant Hyperthermia
- The client's tachycardia (HR 134/min), tachypnea (RR 28/min), hypotension (BP 92/52 mm Hg), and hypoxia (SpO₂ 89%) are key signs of malignant hyperthermia (MH), a life-threatening reaction to general anesthesia.
- While hyperthermia (elevated temperature) is a late sign, the presence of early indicators like tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia strongly suggests MH.
- Incorrect choices:
- Paralytic ileus (A): This is a possible secondary complication but not the primary issue.
- Nausea and vomiting (B): Common post-op symptoms, but they don’t explain the severe vitals.
- Hypercapnia (C): The client is hyperventilating, not hypoventilating.
- Latex allergy (E): No signs of urticaria, anaphylaxis, or bronchospasm, which would indicate a latex allergy.
Correct Answer: Malignant hyperthermia
Two Actions to Take:
- Administer dantrolene (C)
- Dantrolene is the only effective antidote for MH. It directly relaxes skeletal muscles and stops the uncontrolled muscle metabolism that drives the crisis.
- Monitor muscle rigidity (E)
- Muscle rigidity is a hallmark sign of MH, especially in the jaw and upper body. The nurse must monitor for worsening rigidity as an indicator of disease progression.
- Incorrect choices:
- Obtain the latex-free cart (A): There is no indication of a latex allergy.
- Administer ondansetron (B): Useful for nausea and vomiting but does not address MH.
- Insert an NG tube (D): Might be needed for paralytic ileus but is not a priority in treating MH.
Correct Answers: Administer dantrolene, Monitor muscle rigidity
Two Parameters to Monitor:
-
Bowel sounds (C)
- Paralytic ileus can develop as a secondary complication of MH due to decreased blood flow to the intestines during the crisis. Monitoring bowel sounds helps detect this issue early.
-
Muscle rigidity (E)
- Since sustained muscle contractions are a key feature of MH, tracking muscle rigidity helps assess whether the crisis is worsening or improving.
- Incorrect choices:
- Blood pressure (A): While important, it is not a specific marker for MH progression.
- Urine output (B): Useful for assessing kidney function but not directly related to MH management.
- Skin integrity (D): Not a priority in this emergency.
Correct Answers: Bowel sounds, Muscle rigidity
Summary of Correct Answers:
- Condition Most Likely Experiencing: Malignant hyperthermia
- Two Actions to Take: Administer dantrolene, Monitor muscle rigidity
- Two Parameters to Monitor: Bowel sounds, Muscle rigidity
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F","H"]
Explanation
Heart Rate: 128 beats/min (Sinus Tachycardia): Sinus tachycardia can be a compensatory response to hypovolemia, internal bleeding, or pain. Given the liver and spleen lacerations identified on the CT scan and blood in the peritoneum, tachycardia may indicate ongoing hemorrhage or hypoperfusion.
Blood Pressure: 90/79 mmHg (Narrow Pulse Pressure): A pulse pressure of less than 40 mmHg suggests inadequate perfusion and possible hemorrhagic shock. The systolic blood pressure (90 mmHg) is at the lower limit of normal, but the diastolic pressure (79 mmHg) is elevated, which can indicate compensatory vasoconstriction due to hypovolemia. Immediate fluid resuscitation or blood transfusion may be required to prevent worsening shock.
Temperature: 96.9°F (36.1°C): Trauma clients, especially those with hemorrhage, are at risk for trauma triad of death (hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy) due to massive fluid shifts and blood loss. Even mild hypothermia can impair coagulation and worsen bleeding, requiring active warming measures (e.g., warm IV fluids, heated blankets).
Abdominal Ecchymosis and Hematoma: Significant bruising around the surgical dressing suggests ongoing internal bleeding or vascular injury.
Close monitoring is needed to assess for expanding hematoma, increased abdominal distension, or hemodynamic instability.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Frequency that the problem occurs is important for understanding the issue but does not ensure that the evidence gathered is relevant to the specific clinical question.
B. Relevance to the situation is the most critical factor in evidence-based practice. The evidence must directly apply to the client’s condition, treatment, or intervention to support sound decision-making.
C. Past experience with similar problems can guide nursing judgment but is not a substitute for current, research-based evidence.
D. Related personal values may influence decision-making but should not be prioritized over scientifically validated evidence.
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