Malignant hyperthermia.
Malignant hyperthermia, also known as malignant hyperpyrexia, is a pharmacogenetic condition which can develop during general anaesthesia and can be fatal. The author suggests that more awareness of the condition is needed by ward-based nurses who are involved with patients undergoing surgery. The article describes the management of the condition, the nursing care and the screening available for susceptible patients.
Naecsu
Ancuta
A
St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth. anca.neacsu@porthosp.nhs.uk
D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects; D001364:Awareness; D006801:Humans; D008305:Malignant Hyperthermia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011300:Preoperative Care