During the course of surgery, a patient exhibits tachycardia, ...

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During the course of surgery, a patient exhibits tachycardia, diaphoresis, and rising body temperature. Which is the circulating nurse's priority intervention?
 
  a. Monitor the patient for any further changes in condition.
  b. Note the patient's oxygen saturation and blood pressure.
  c. Ask the scrub nurse to verify the assess-ment findings.
  d. Alert the anesthesiologist and surgeon immediately.

Question 2

The nurse uses a visual aid to show the pathologic muscle tone changes that result in footdrop. Which changes should the nurse include?
 
  a. The stretching of calf muscles
  b. The stretching of flexor muscles
  c. The toes curl downward
  d. The thigh muscles contract

[paavo]

Answer to Question 1

D
These are signs of malignant hyperthermia, along with arrhythmias, muscle rigidity, and hypo-tension. The anesthesiologist and surgeon should be notified immediately because malignant hyperthermia is a medical emergency. The nurse should continue to monitor the patient. The nurse should verify the patient's oxygen saturation and blood pressure in conjunction with the anesthesiologist and surgeon.

Answer to Question 2

B
The most frequent contractures occurring in patients immobilized for long periods are footdrop, knee and hip flexion contractures, wrist drop, and contractures of the fingers and arms. Calf muscles contract and flexor muscles are stretched, allowing the unbraced foot to drop toward the surface of the bed.

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Correct answers!

[paavo]

Great! Please up vote