A client is having surgery.The circulating nurse notes the client's oxygen saturation is 90% and the heart rate is 110 beats/min.What action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but serious reaction to anesthesia.The triad of early signs include decreased oxygen saturation,tachycardia,and elevated end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO₂)level.The nurse should quickly check the end-tidal CO₂ and then report findings to the anesthesia provider and surgeon.Documentation is vital,but not the most important action at this stage.Dantrolene sodium is the drug of choice if the client does have malignant hyperthermia.

A Client Is Having Surgery