A client undergoing endotracheal intubation received IV sedation and succinylcholine. Shortly
after respiratory status has been stabilized, the client flushed and profusely diaphoretic and has a
rigid jaw. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer? Click the exhibit button for
more information.
Exhibit: Vital signs
Temperature 105 F
Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg
Heart rate 150/min
Respirations 28/min
O2 saturation 98%
- IM epinephrine
- IV atropine
- IV dantrolene
- IV glucagon correct answers IV dantrolene
- Malignant hyperthermia is a rare and life-threatening condition precipitated by certain
medications used for anesthesia, including inhaled anesthetics and succinylcholine.
- Skeletal muscles become unable to control calcium levels, leading to a hypermetabolic state
manifested by contracture and increased temperature.
- Early sings of MH include tachypnea, tachycardia, and a rigid jaw or generalized rigidity.
- As the condition progresses, the client develops a high fever
- Muscle tissue is broken down, leading to hyperkalemia, cardiac dysrhythmias, and
myoglobinuria.
MH requires emergent treatment with IV dantrolene to reverse the process by slowing
metabolism.
- Succinylcholine should be discontinued.
- Other interventions include applying cooling blankets to reduce temperature and treating high
potassium levels.
, Inhaled anethetics correct answers - desflurane
- Isoflurane
- halothane
Succinylcholine correct answers A paralytic used adjunctively for intubation and general
anesthesia.
IM epinephrine correct answers Administered for cardiac arrest, anaphylactic reactions, or severe
asthma attacks
IV atropine correct answers An anticholinergic agent, used to treat bradycardia.
IV glucagon correct answers Given IM, subq, or IV for severe hypoglycemia.
- IV glucose is preferred due to its immediate effect, however, if it is unavailable, glucagon can
be given to stimulate glycogenolysis in the liver
The nurse is managing the care of a client diagnosed with chronic anxiety. Which behavior
demonstrates to the nurse that the client possesses resilience?
1. Avoids anxiety-producing situations.
2. Is able to identify anxiety-inducing triggers
3. Practices stress reduction techniques daily
4. Relies on anxiolytic medication to manage symptoms correct answers Practices stress
reduction techniques daily.
- Resilient people readily deal with the stress they face by using interventions such as deep
breathing, meditation, thought interruption, and muscle relaxation.
The nurse reviews the laboratory results for 4 assigned clients. Which result is most important
for the nurse to report to the primary health care provider?
- Client with atrial fibrillation receiving warfarin for 7 days with an International Normalized
Ratio (INR) of 1.3