The nurse is managing the care for a client with hyperparathyroidism, and is reviewing the client's list of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Which medication(s) on the client's current medication record should the nurse discuss further with the healthcare provider? Select all that apply.

Condition Most Likely Experiencing: Malignant Hyperthermia

• The client's tachycardia (HR 134/min), tachypnea (RR 28/min), hypotension (BP 92/52 mm Hg), and hypoxia (SpO₂ 89%) are key signs of malignant hyperthermia (MH), a life-threatening reaction to general anesthesia.
• While hyperthermia (elevated temperature) is a late sign, the presence of early indicators like tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia strongly suggests MH.
• Incorrect choices:
  • Paralytic ileus (A): This is a possible secondary complication but not the primary issue.
  • Nausea and vomiting (B): Common post-op symptoms, but they don’t explain the severe vitals.
  • Hypercapnia (C): The client is hyperventilating, not hypoventilating.
  • Latex allergy (E): No signs of urticaria, anaphylaxis, or bronchospasm, which would indicate a latex allergy.

Correct Answer: Malignant hyperthermia

Two Actions to Take:

1. Administer dantrolene (C)
   • Dantrolene is the only effective antidote for MH. It directly relaxes skeletal muscles and stops the uncontrolled muscle metabolism that drives the crisis.
2. Monitor muscle rigidity (E)
   • Muscle rigidity is a hallmark sign of MH, especially in the jaw and upper body. The nurse must monitor for worsening rigidity as an indicator of disease progression.

• Incorrect choices:
  • Obtain the latex-free cart (A): There is no indication of a latex allergy.
  • Administer ondansetron (B): Useful for nausea and vomiting but does not address MH.
  • Insert an NG tube (D): Might be needed for paralytic ileus but is not a priority in treating MH.

Correct Answers: Administer dantrolene, Monitor muscle rigidity

Two Parameters to Monitor:

1. Bowel sounds (C)

   • Paralytic ileus can develop as a secondary complication of MH due to decreased blood flow to the intestines during the crisis. Monitoring bowel sounds helps detect this issue early.

2. Muscle rigidity (E)

   • Since sustained muscle contractions are a key feature of MH, tracking muscle rigidity helps assess whether the crisis is worsening or improving.

• Incorrect choices:
  • Blood pressure (A): While important, it is not a specific marker for MH progression.
  • Urine output (B): Useful for assessing kidney function but not directly related to MH management.
  • Skin integrity (D): Not a priority in this emergency.

Correct Answers: Bowel sounds, Muscle rigidity

Summary of Correct Answers:

• Condition Most Likely Experiencing: Malignant hyperthermia
• Two Actions to Take:Administer dantrolene, Monitor muscle rigidity
• Two Parameters to Monitor: Bowel sounds, Muscle rigidity

A. Tinnitus can occur with MS but is not an emergency.
B. Tachycardia may indicate autonomic dysfunction or infection, which could require urgent intervention.
C. Fever is concerning because infections can exacerbate MS symptoms and trigger relapses.
D. Paresthesia is a common MS symptom and does not require immediate reporting unless it significantly worsens.
E. Tremors are an expected MS symptom and are not urgent.