A client in the operating room received succinylcholine. The client is experiencing muscle rigidity and has an extremely high temperature. Which action should the nurse implement?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Calling the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support is important in certain situations. However, in this case, the client's immediate concern is the extremely high temperature, which needs to be addressed urgently.Choice B reason: Determining if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively is a standard procedure, but it is not relevant to the acute situation of muscle rigidity and extremely high temperature caused by succinylcholine. The nurse should focus on immediate cooling measures.Choice C reason: Holding a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced is not appropriate. Dantrolene is actually used to treat malignant hyperthermia, which is characterized by muscle rigidity and a high temperature. It should be administered immediately in such cases.Choice D reason: Preparing ice packs for placement in the client's axillary area is a direct and immediate action to help reduce the client's extremely high temperature. Cooling measures are crucial to manage hyperthermia and prevent further complications.