A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client who has a temperature of 40° C (104° F) and received succinylcholine during surgery. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer to decrease body temperature?

Choice A reason: Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used for muscle relaxation during intubation or surgery. It does not treat malignant hyperthermia, which is the likely cause of the elevated temperature after succinylcholine administration. Choice B reason: Epinephrine is used for anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and severe asthma exacerbations. It does not address the underlying pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia, which involves uncontrolled calcium release in skeletal muscle. Choice C reason: Dantrolene is the correct medication. It directly reduces muscle contraction by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This action reverses the hypermetabolic state of malignant hyperthermia, lowering body temperature and preventing further complications such as rhabdomyolysis and organ failure. Choice D reason: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse sedation. It has no role in treating malignant hyperthermia or hyperthermia caused by succinylcholine.