A nurse is assisting with the care of a client. Vital Signs. 1330: Temperature 36.8 °C (98.2 °F) Heart rate 88/min. Respiratory rate 16/min. Blood pressure 110/64 mm Hg. 1345: Oxygen saturation 96% on 3 L/min via simple face mask. Temperature 37 °C (98.6 °F) Heart rate 112/min. Respiratory rate 20/min. Blood pressure 108/60 mm Hg. 1400: Oxygen saturation 94% on 3 L/min via simple face mask. Temperature 38.3 °C (101 °F) Heart rate 152/min. For each data collection finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with malignant hyperthermia, latex allergy, or hypovolemic shock. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Wheezes: This finding may indicate a latex allergy, as wheezing is a sign of respiratory distress caused by an allergic reaction to latex proteins. Wheezes are not typical of malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock. Muscle rigidity: This finding is a hallmark of malignant hyperthermia, as it reflects the excessive calcium release and muscle contraction triggered by certain anesthetic agents. Muscle rigidity is not a feature of latex allergy or hypovolemic shock. Urticaria: This finding is a common manifestation of latex allergy, as urticaria (hives) is a type of skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to latex proteins. Urticaria is not associated with malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock. Hypercapnia: This finding is indicative of malignant hyperthermia, as hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels in the blood) is a result of increased metabolism and oxygen consumption due to muscle rigidity and fever. Hypercapnia is not usually seen in latex allergy or hypovolemic shock, unless there is severe respiratory compromise. Tachycardia: This finding can be present in all three disease processes, as tachycardia (fast heart rate) is a nonspecific response to stress, fever, pain, hypoxia, or hypovolemia. However, tachycardia is more pronounced and persistent in malignant hyperthermia and hypovolemic shock than in latex allergy.