Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Summer 8-5-2022
Document Type
Project
Course Number
NURS 6810-01
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Professor’s Name
Batross and Bhatnagar
Keywords
Malignant, Hyperthermia, Calcium, Ryanodine Receptors, Dantrolene
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
Being a proficient anesthesia provider requires vigilantly monitoring for any complications that may arise during the anesthetic period. Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is one such complication. Succinylcholine, a neuromuscular blocking agent, and volatile anesthetic gases can initiate an MH reaction. In MH, ryanodine receptors are stimulated to release excess calcium, which causes muscle hypermetabolism. This process causes the patient to develop highly elevated temperatures, hypoxia, hypercarbia, and muscle rigidity. Left untreated, MH can be fatal. Treatment requires discontinuation of the triggering agent, administering dantrolene, providing 100% oxygen, and managing complications such as acidosis, hyperkalemia, and arrhythmias. MH is a manageable complication related to anesthesia of which providers must be aware.
Keywords: malignant hyperthermia, ryanodine receptors, calcium, dantrolene
Licensing Permission
Copyright, some rights reserved. Attribution – Noncommercial – No Derivative Works
Recommended Citation
Joos, Jessica, "Malignant Hyperthermia" (2022). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 497.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/497