O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 1 3
A
Assess Look for symptoms of
MH, including acidosis (high
acidity in bloodstream), and note
airway difficulties.
Ask for help Seek confirmation
from colleagues if you have ques-
tions about the patient's condition.
Anesthetic gases Immediately
stop the flow of triggering agents.
B
Breathing Administer 100% oxy-
gen to meet the patient's meta-
bolic needs and to help compensate
for the increased levels of carbon
dioxide.
Body temperature An increase in
core temperature is a common
warning sign.
Body rigidity Volatile anesthetics
can cause hypermetabolic muscular
syndrome.
C
Color Examine the patient's
skin tone for signs of adequate
perfusion.
Circulation Check levels through
complete blood count, and look for
raised carbon-dioxide levels and car-
diac arrhythmias. Obtain blood
gases.
Cool Pack ice bags around the
patient and lavage the patient with
cool saline.
Call Dial 911 and contact the
Malignant Hyperthermia Association
of the United States (800-644-9737)
for assistance.
D
Dantrolene Reconstitute and
administer dantrolene IV
2.5mg/kg.
Dysrhythmias Monitor
abnormal
cardiac rhythms.
Disseminated intravascular coag-
ulation. Look for signs of life-
threatening blood clotting.
E
Electrolytes Check for abnor-
malities, with a focus on potas-
sium levels.
— Margaret M. Thomas, MSN, BS,
RN, CNOR
STEP BY STEP
The ABCs of MH Response
