NUR 02 CRITICAL CARE 01

NUR 02 CRITICAL CARE 01 1 A client undergoing endotracheal intubation received IV sedation and succinylcholine. Shortly after respiratory status has been stabilized, the client becomes flushed, profusely diaphoretic, and has a rigid jaw. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer? Click the exhibit button for more information. 1. IM epinephrine 2. IV atropine 3. IV dantrolene 4. IV glucagon Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare and life-threatening condition precipitated by general anesthetics (eg, succinylcholine). Skeletal muscles become unable to control calcium levels, leading to a hypermetabolic state manifested by contracture and increased temperature. Early signs of MH include tachypnea, tachycardia, and 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. (Option 1) IM epinephrine is administered for cardiac arrest, anaphylactic reactions, or severe asthma attacks; it is not appropriate for MH. (Option 2) IV atropine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to treat bradycardia. It would worsen tachycardia in this client. (Option 4) Naturally produced by the pancreas, glucagon is given intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravenously for severe hypoglycemia. IV glucose is preferred for its immediate effect; however, if it is unavailable, glucagon can be given to stimulate glycogenolysis in the liver, thereby raising blood glucose. Educational objective: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening hypermetabolic condition triggered by general anesthetics. Administration of IV dantrolene slows metabolism and is the priority nursing action for a client with MH. Other interventions include cooling the client and treating high potassium levels. 2 The nurse is admitting a client with a possible diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. When collecting data to develop a plan of care for the client, the nurse should give priority to which of the following items? 1. Orthostatic blood pressure changes 2. Presence or absence of knee reflexes 3. Pupil size and reaction to light 4. Rate and depth of respirations Explanation: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated polyneuropathy that is most often accompanied by ascending muscle paralysis and absence of reflexes. Lower-extremity weakness progresses over hours to days to involve the thorax, arms, and cranial nerves (CNs). Neuromuscular respiratory failure is the most life-threatening complication. The rate and depth of the respirations should be monitored (Option 4). Measurement of serial bedside forced vital capacity (spirometry) is the gold standard for assessing early ventilation failure. (Option 1) Autonomic dysfunction is common in GBS and usually results in orthostatic hypotension, paralytic ileus, urinary retention, and diaphoresis. These complications need to be assessed but are not a priority. (Option 2) Absence of knee reflexes is expected early in the course of GBS due to the ascending nature of the disease. Absence of gag reflex indicates GBS progression. (Option 3) PERRLA (pupils equal, round, reactive to light, accommodation) evaluation assesses CNs II, III, IV, and VI. CN abnormalities are expected after the thoracic muscles (respiratory) are involved due to the ascending nature of GBS. Educational objective: The most serious complication to monitor for in new-onset Guillain-Barré syndrome is respiratory compromise from the paralysis ascending into the thoracic region. Monitoring for rate/depth of respirations and measuring serial bedside vital capacity (spirometry) help to detect this early in the disease course.