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","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Monitor the patient's respiratory rate: It's essential to monitor the patient for any adverse effects of morphine administration, particularly respiratory depression.
B. Ensure naloxone is readily available: While naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose, administering it would depend on the patient's response and any signs of opioid toxicity, which may not be evident at this time.
C. Report the error to the facility through the proper paperwork: Reporting the medication error is crucial for documentation, investigation, and implementation of corrective actions.
D. Inform the patient's health care provider: The healthcare provider should be notified of the medication error to ensure appropriate follow-up and monitoring of the patient.
E. Document the dose of morphine given by the MedSurg nurse: Documenting the medication administration accurately is essential for the patient's medical record and continuity of care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Fever: Fever is not a common adverse effect of haloperidol.
B. Intractable hiccups: While hiccups can occur as a side effect of some medications, they are not a commonly reported adverse effect of haloperidol.
C. Excessive salivation: Excessive salivation is not a typical adverse effect of haloperidol.
D. Extrapyramidal symptoms: Haloperidol, as a first-generation antipsychotic, is known to cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. Monitoring for these adverse effects is essential during treatment with haloperidol.
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.