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","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Constipation is a common adverse effect of opioid medications, including hydrocodone.
Opioids can slow down bowel motility, leading to constipation.
B. Lightheadedness is a common side effect of opioids, particularly when a patient first starts
taking them or when the dose is increased. It can be due to the central nervous system depressant effects of the medication.
C. Pain relief is the therapeutic effect of acetaminophen/hydrocodone, not an adverse effect.
D. Urinary retention can occur with opioid use due to their effects on the urinary sphincters and bladder muscle tone. Patients may experience difficulty urinating or incomplete emptying of the bladder.
E. Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of acetaminophen/hydrocodone. In fact, opioids more commonly cause constipation rather than diarrhea.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bupropion is primarily used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It is not typically used for opioid withdrawal.
B. Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist commonly used in the management of opioid withdrawal. It helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and can be used as part of a long-term maintenance program for opioid dependence.
C. Disulfiram is used in the treatment of alcohol dependence by creating unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. It is not indicated for opioid withdrawal.
D. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate with sedative and anticonvulsant properties. While it can be used to manage certain withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for opioid withdrawal.
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