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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, tachypnea, muscle rigidity, and raised temperature are symptoms of malignant hyperthermia, which is treated with cardiorespiratory supportive care as needed to stabilize heart and lung function as well as with immediate treatment with the skeletal muscle relaxant dantrolene. CPR is not immediately needed because the patient still has a pulse and respirations. Naltrexone hydrochloride and anticholinesterase drugs are not appropriate in this situation.

During the Immediate Postoperative Period, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit