Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
Which nursing assessment question should be asked to help determine the client's risk for developing malignant hyperthermia in the perioperative period?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic disorder in which a combination of anesthetic agents (the muscle relaxant succinylcholine and inhalation agents such as halothanes) triggers uncontrolled skeletal muscle contractions that can quickly lead to a potentially fatal hyperthermia. Questioning the client about the family history of general anesthesia problems may reveal this as a risk for the client. Options 1, 2, and 3 are unrelated to this surgical complication.