Managing Emergency Situations Flashcards
7 cards from real CNOR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Managing Emergency Situations flashcards as text
During a malignant hyperthermia (MH) crisis, which medication is the FIRST-LINE treatment?
Answer: Dantrolene sodium
Dantrolene sodium is the specific antidote for malignant hyperthermia and must be administered immediately upon recognition of MH crisis.
A patient undergoing general anesthesia develops masseter muscle rigidity after succinylcholine administration. The perioperative nurse should FIRST:
Answer: Alert the team to potential malignant hyperthermia
Masseter muscle rigidity after succinylcholine is a classic early warning sign of malignant hyperthermia and the entire team must be alerted immediately.
When managing a malignant hyperthermia crisis, which cooling measure is appropriate?
Answer: Iced saline lavage of open body cavities and IV cold saline
Active cooling in MH includes iced saline lavage of accessible body cavities, cold IV saline infusion, and surface cooling to rapidly lower core temperature.
A scrub technician reports the electrosurgical unit (ESU) is not functioning during a procedure. The IMMEDIATE priority of the circulating nurse is to:
Answer: Alert the surgeon and prepare for manual hemostasis alternatives
Patient safety requires alerting the surgeon immediately so hemostasis can be maintained via alternative methods while the equipment issue is resolved.
During a laparotomy, the surgeon inadvertently enters the aorta. Which nursing action is HIGHEST priority?
Answer: Obtain additional suture and prepare for vascular repair
Life-threatening hemorrhage requires immediate preparation of vascular repair supplies to support the surgeon in controlling bleeding.
A patient in the OR develops pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The FIRST action by the perioperative nurse should be:
Answer: Begin CPR and call for the defibrillator
Pulseless VT is a shockable cardiac arrest rhythm; initiating CPR and obtaining the defibrillator are the immediate priorities per ACLS guidelines.
Which laboratory value is MOST consistent with malignant hyperthermia?
Answer: Metabolic acidosis with hypercapnia and hyperkalemia
MH produces intense cellular metabolism causing metabolic acidosis, CO2 accumulation (hypercapnia), and potassium release from muscle cells (hyperkalemia).