Author Question: When caring for a patient who has received a general anesthetic, the circulating nurse notes red, ... (Read 54 times)

ericka1 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

When caring for a patient who has received a general anesthetic, the circulating nurse notes red, raised wheals on the patient's arms. Which action should the nurse take immediately?

a. Apply lotion to the affected areas.
b. Cover the arms with sterile drapes.
c. Recheck the patient's arms in 30 minutes.
d. Notify the anesthesia care practitioner (ACP) immediately.

Question 2

While in the holding area, a patient reveals to the nurse that his father had a high fever after surgery. What action by the nurse is a priority?

a. Place a medical alert sticker on the front of the patient's chart.
b. Alert the anesthesia care provider of the family member's reaction to surgery.
c. Reassure the patient that there will be close monitoring during and after surgery.
d. Administer 650 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) per rectum as a preventive measure.

Jayson · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The presence of wheals indicates a possible allergic or anaphylactic reaction, which may have been caused by latex or by medications administered as part of general anesthesia. Because general anesthesia may mask anaphylaxis, the nurse should report this to the ACP. The other actions are not appropriate at this time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The anesthesia care provider (ACP) needs to be notified and made aware of the patient's family history in regards to anesthesia reactions. Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a valid concern because the patient's father appears to have had a reaction to surgery. The ACP needs to be notified immediately, rather than waiting for a sticker to be noticed on the chart. Administering acetaminophen may not prevent MH. General anesthesia can be administered to patients with MH as long as precautions to avoid MH are taken and preparations are made to treat MH if it does occur.