a) true b) false
A False. One is 250 mg/ml and the other is list-
ed as 0.5g/ml, which is twice the strength.
19. Malignant hyperthermia preparedness is not only required by standards,
but also it is a well-known safety expectation. There are several known
drug "triggers" in a susceptible patient. Which of the following is a "trig-
ger"?
a) succinylcholine
b) rocuronium
c) vecuronium
d) all narcotics
e) nitrous oxide
A a) Succinylcholine, an IV muscle relaxant, is a known trigger for
MH. Succinylcholine produces intense paralysis within seconds of
injection, which in most patients lasts for 5-8 minutes. Succinylcholine
is a trigger for MH, particularly when used with the volatile gas anes-
thetics that are MH triggers, including halothane, sevoflurane, desflu-
rane, isoflurane and enflurane. If your facility stocks succinylcholine
— even for emergency use — you should also stock a full supply of
dantrolene.
20. The safe handling of controlled drugs is likewise a regulatory requirement
as well as a sound business practice. Which of the following is not a recom-
mended practice and leaves the facility
and all of its stakeholders at risk?
a) Discarding controlled drugs without a licensed person witnessing.
b) Discarding controlled drugs at the end of the day rather than in real time.
M A Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 3