Malignant hyperthermia: perianesthesia recognition, treatment, and care.
Although relatively uncommon, malignant hyperthermia (MH) can be a life-threatening crisis when it occurs intraoperatively or postoperatively. It is imperative that every member of the perianesthesia team knows what to do and works cohesively because it is a true emergency. This article reviews information for perianesthesia nurses, perioperative nurses, and anesthesia providers about agents that trigger MH; early and late symptoms of MH; recommended medications, equipment, and emergency supplies that should be readily available for use; and the recommended protocol for effectively treating MH.


OBJECTIVE
-Based on the content of this article, the reader should be able to (1) describe the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia (MH); (2) identify the triggering agents of MH; (3) identify patients at risk for MH; (4) describe the early and late signs of MH; (5) state the medication of choice to treat MH; and (6) describe perianesthesia and/or perioperative nursing interventions for treating an MH patient.
Redmond
M C
MC
Department of Outpatient Surgery, Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
D000777:Anesthetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D008305:Malignant Hyperthermia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000451:nursing*; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing
D000777:Anesthetics