Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Fall 2014
Document Type
Project
Course Number
NURS 5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
John D. Chovan, James R. Cacchillo
Keywords
Anesthesia, Patient Outcomes
Subject Categories
Anesthesiology | Medical Pathology | Nursing
Abstract
Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is a rare genetic or acquired variation in the metabolism of choline esters such as the neuromuscular blockers succinylcholine, mivacurium, and ester local anesthetics. Pseudocholinesterase deficiency genetically is transmitted in an autosomal recessive pattern with the frequency of apnea from a genetic abnormality of pseudocholinesterase between 1:480 and 1:3200 people (Ok et al., 2013). An extended period of neuromuscular blockade results from these medications than what is clinically expected. The signs and symptoms which occur are apnea and paralysis hours longer. This condition is rare but must be known and understood by the clinician in order to provide the safest patient care possible. The information is not widely known or readily available and usually is undetected until the patient receives the medications and then the neuromuscular blockade continues well beyond the expected duration. The purpose of this discussion is to further educate the practitioner on the pathophysiology of pseudocholinesterase deficiency, as well as signs and symptoms, and patient management strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Gerken, Ross, "Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency" (2014). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 56.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/56
Included in
Anesthesiology Commons, Medical Pathology Commons, Nursing Commons