A nurse is caring for a patient admitted to the unit and ...

[cdr_15]

A nurse is caring for a patient admitted to the unit and receiving dantrolene (Dantrium) for spasticity. The nurse should particularly monitor the patient's
 
  a. liver enzymes.
  b. renal function tests.
  c. complete blood count.
  d. serum electrolytes.

Question 2

Intravenous dantrolene (Dantrium) 2 mg/kg is prescribed for preoperative prophylaxis for a patient with a history of malignant hyperthermia. The patient weighs 132 lb. The nurse administer _____ mg.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[sylvia]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Hepatotoxicity is a serious potential problem in a patient receiving dantrolene, and baseline liver enzymes should be obtained prior to dosing and periodically thereafter.
There is no indication that renal function tests, a complete blood cell count, or electrolytes should be monitored in a patient receiving dantrolene.

Answer to Question 2

ANS:
120
132 lb = x kg
2.2 lb  132 lb
1 kg x
2.2y = 132
x = 60 kg
2 mg  x
1 kg 60
x = 120 mg