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A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following administration of general anesthesia.

Exhibits

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.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Measure and discard residual gastric contents before feeding. Measuring residuals is a routine practice to ensure the stomach is empty, but it is not the priority in this situation unless the residual volume is significant.

B. Use the syringe plunger to push formula at a rate of 5 mL/minute. The formula should be administered gradually, but forcing it with a plunger could cause discomfort or complications.

C. Hold the infant with head and shoulders slightly elevated. This position helps prevent aspiration and promotes better digestion and comfort during feeding.

D. Microwave refrigerated formula to room temperature. Microwaving formula is not recommended, as it can cause uneven heating and create hot spots that could burn the infant's mouth. The formula should be warmed in a safe manner, such as with a bottle warmer.

A. Effective coping with illness related anxiety B. Infection prevention related to illness C. Relief of acute pain D. A review of diet progression postoperatively E. Promotion of bowel routine F. Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) related to immobility G. Fluid volume management H. Client education about diagnosis and plan of care

Correct Answer is ["B","C","G","H"]

Explanation

A. While addressing anxiety is important, it is not the most immediate priority in the emergency setting where acute pain, potential infection, and fluid management take precedence.
B. Given the diagnosis of appendicitis, preventing infection is crucial. The client is at risk for developing an infection or sepsis if the appendix perforates, which could result in peritonitis.
C. The client is experiencing severe abdominal pain (pain rating of 9/10). Effective pain management is essential for the client’s comfort and stabilization.
D. This is more relevant post-surgery. In the emergency department, the focus should be on stabilizing the client and preparing her for surgery.
E. The client has regular bowel movements and this is not a priority in the context of acute appendicitis.
F. This is a consideration for longer-term inpatient care or post-surgery, not an immediate priority in the emergency setting.
G. The client is receiving a bolus of Lactated Ringer’s to manage her fluid volume. Maintaining adequate hydration and correcting any potential dehydration or fluid imbalance is vital.
H. Educating the client about her diagnosis and the plan of care, including the upcoming surgery, helps reduce anxiety and ensures that she is informed about her treatment.

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Summary of Correct Answers:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to administer a formula feeding by nasogastric tube (NGT) to a 2-month-old. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","G","H"]

Explanation

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