A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following the 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 []
Rationale:
A: Obtain the latex free cart is incorrect. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.
B: Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is not the primary condition that the client is experiencing, but a possible secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.
C: Nausea and vomiting is incorrect. Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative symptoms that may or may not be related to malignant hyperthermia.
D: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) itself does not inherently include hypercapnia as a defining characteristic. However, during an episode of malignant hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis can occur due to the increased production of lactic acid and carbon dioxide as byproducts of the hypermetabolic state. This acidosis can potentially lead to respiratory compensation mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate and depth, to attempt to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the body. In some cases, if the compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to adequately remove carbon dioxide, hypercapnia can develop as a secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.
E: nasogastric (NG) tube is incorrect. An NG tube may be indicated for paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction, but not for malignant hyperthermia.
- F: Malignant hyperthermia is correct. The client's vital signs indicate a possible malignant hypertermia reaction, which is a rare but life-threatening complication of general anesthesia that causes a rapid rise in body temperature, muscle rigidity, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia.
- G: Administer ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication that can help with nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of malignant hyperthermia.
- H: Administer dantrolene is correct. Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be given as soon as possible to stop the metabolic crisis and lower the body temperature.
- I: Latex allergy is incorrect. Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to latex products that can cause urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.
- J: Urticaria is incorrect. Urticaria is a skin rash that can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, or other factors. There is no evidence that the client has urticaria or that it is related to malignant hyperthermia.
- K: Muscle rigidity is correct. Muscle rigidity is one of the signs of malignant hyperthermia and should be monitored closely by the nurse.
- L: Bowel sounds is correct. Bowel sounds should be assessed regularly by the nurse to detect any signs of paralytic ileus, which is a potential complication of malignant hyperthermia that causes intestinal obstruction and abdominal distension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. The nurse should avoid including raw fruits in the client's diet because they can harbor bacteria and fungi that can cause infection in a client who has neutropenia, which is a low white blood cell count.
B. Incorrect. The nurse should limit visits from anyone who is sick or has been exposed to an infection, but there is no need to restrict visits from young children specifically, as long as they are healthy and follow proper hand hygiene.
C. Incorrect. The nurse should measure the client's temperature at least every 4 hr, or more frequently if indicated, because fever is a sign of infection in a client who has neutropenia and requires prompt intervention.
D. Incorrect. The nurse should use disposable gloves from a box inside the client's room, not outside, to prevent cross-contamination and protect the client from exposure to pathogens.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instructing a staff member to maintain a log of emergency care provided is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important task, but it can be done later, after ensuring the safety of the staff and children and providing immediate care to those who need it.
B. Applying cervical spine collars to children who have suspected neck trauma is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a priority intervention, but it can only be done after surveying the scene for potential hazards and making sure that it is safe to approach and touch the children.
C. Notifying guardians of the emergency and injuries to their children is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a necessary step, but it can be delegated to another staff member or done after providing initial care to the children.
D. Surveying the scene for potential hazards to staff and children is the correct answer. This is the first action that the nurse should take, according to the principles of emergency care. The nurse needs to assess the situation and ensure that there are no dangers such as fire, electricity, gas, or falling debris that could harm anyone at the scene. The nurse also needs to determine how many children are injured, how severe their injuries are, and what resources are available to help them.
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