A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client who has received general anesthesia and has manifestations of malignant hyperthermia. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?
Diazepam
Dantrolene
Cyclobenzaprine
Metaxalone
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and sedation but is not effective for treating malignant hyperthermia.
B. Dantrolene is the specific antidote for malignant hyperthermia, and the nurse should expect to administer it to help reduce the severe muscle contractions and hypermetabolism associated with this condition.
C. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used for muscle spasms but is not indicated for malignant hyperthermia.
D. Metaxalone is also a muscle relaxant, but like cyclobenzaprine, it is not effective for managing malignant hyperthermia and would not be used in this situation.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Remove the patch for two to four hours daily.": This is incorrect because transdermal nitroglycerin patches should be worn continuously for 24 hours, with a scheduled time to remove them (usually overnight) to prevent tolerance.
B. "Apply a new patch each day after waking up.": This instruction is correct; clients should apply a new patch daily to ensure continuous therapeutic effects while also allowing a break to reduce tolerance.
C. "Cover the patch with plastic wrap.": This is incorrect; covering the patch with plastic wrap can alter the absorption of the medication and is not necessary.
D. "Replace the existing patch with a new patch as soon as anginal pain begins.": This is incorrect; clients should not replace the patch immediately for angina. Instead, they should use sublingual nitroglycerin for immediate relief and follow the prescribed patch schedule.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The pharmacist typically restocks the medication drawer each day to ensure that medications are available and up-to-date. This is an essential component of the unit-dose medication system.
B. The nursing supervisor does not usually unlock the medication drawer; this is typically done by the nurse in charge or the individual administering the medications.
C. While it is important to limit the number of controlled substances, the medication drawer is usually stocked in a manner that allows for easy access to necessary medications, and there are regulations that govern this process.
D. Opened medications should not necessarily be disposed of at the end of each shift; they may be retained if they are still within their stability period and are properly stored according to protocols.