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
Explanation
A. Decreased weight: Orlistat is a medication used for weight management by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats. Its intended therapeutic effect is to promote weight loss by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from the diet.
B. Increased appetite: Orlistat does not increase appetite; rather, it may help control appetite by promoting satiety through its mechanism of action.
C. Decreased hyperactivity: Orlistat is not indicated for the treatment of hyperactivity.
D. Increased wakefulness: Orlistat does not affect wakefulness; it primarily acts in the gastrointestinal tract to inhibit fat absorption.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assessing the WBC count is not directly related to the administration of a nonselective adrenergic blocker. These medications primarily affect the cardiovascular system.
B. Assessing pulse and blood pressure is crucial before administering a nonselective adrenergic blocker. These medications can cause bradycardia and hypotension as side effects, so it's
important to ensure the client's baseline pulse and blood pressure are within acceptable ranges before giving the medication.
C. Assessing bowel sounds is not directly related to the administration of a nonselective adrenergic blocker. These medications primarily affect the cardiovascular system.
D. Assessing serum sodium and potassium levels is not directly related to the administration of a nonselective adrenergic blocker. These medications primarily affect the cardiovascular system.
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