A patient in the operating room has been administered succinylcholine and is now experiencing muscle rigidity and an extremely high temperature. What should the nurse do next?
Call the PACU nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support.
Hold a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced.
Prepare ice packs for placement in the patient’s axillary area.
Determine if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
C. Prepare ice packs for placement in the patient’s axillary area.This response is crucial because the symptoms described—muscle rigidity and hyperthermia—are indicative of malignant hyperthermia, a serious reaction that can occur after the administration of succinylcholine, especially in conjunction with certain anesthetics. Immediate cooling measures, such as applying ice packs, are essential to help reduce the patient's elevated body temperature.
Rationale for Other Options:
- A. Call the PACU nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support.: While preparing for ventilatory support may be necessary later, immediate action to address hyperthermia is critical.
- B. Hold a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced.: Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be administered as soon as possible rather than held.
- D. Determine if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively.: This action is not relevant to the immediate management of malignant hyperthermia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Exclusively consuming lactose-free dairy products is not a specific characteristic of the DASH diet. While the DASH diet recommends low-fat or fat-free dairy products, it does not specifically require them to be lactose-free.
Choice B rationale
Meticulously cleaning and peeling all fresh fruits and vegetables is a good practice for food safety, but it is not specific to the DASH diet.
Choice C rationale
Enjoying fat-free yogurt as an occasional snack aligns with the DASH diet’s emphasis on low-fat dairy products.
Choice D rationale
Eliminating grains from the diet is not recommended in the DASH diet. On the contrary, the DASH diet encourages the consumption of whole grains.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While lean beef, salads, and baked potatoes can be part of a balanced diet, they are not specifically recommended for patients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers.
Choice B rationale
Potatoes and low-fat breads can be part of a balanced diet, but they are not specifically recommended for patients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers.
Choice C rationale
Oatmeal, raisins, and fruit with skin are high in fiber, which promotes gut health and is beneficial for colorectal cancer prevention. A nutritious regular diet can improve your gut health, which is a main contributor to colon and rectal health.
Choice D rationale
Chicken, rice, and wheat products can be part of a balanced diet, but they are not specifically recommended for patients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
