CRNFA Anesthesia and Patient Safety in the OR

Question 1

Which volatile anesthetic agent is most strongly associated with triggering malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients?

Accepted Answer

Succinylcholine and all volatile halogenated agents (e.g., sevoflurane, desflurane)

Answer

Propofol

Answer

Nitrous oxide

Answer

Ketamine

Question 2

The CRNFA observes sudden masseter muscle rigidity after succinylcholine administration during intubation. This finding should prompt concern for which emergent condition?

Accepted Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Laryngospasm

Answer

Anaphylaxis

Answer

Insufficient neuromuscular blockade

Question 3

Dantrolene sodium is the definitive treatment for malignant hyperthermia. What is the initial recommended IV bolus dose?

Accepted Answer

2.5 mg/kg, repeated up to 10 mg/kg total if needed

Answer

0.5 mg/kg

Answer

5 mg/kg once

Answer

10 mg/kg as a single bolus

Question 4

During surgery, the anesthesiologist announces end-tidal CO2 of 68 mmHg, temperature of 39.8°C rising, and tachycardia of 148 bpm. The CRNFA's first action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Suspend the operation, assist the team to activate the MH protocol, and call for dantrolene

Answer

Increase IV fluid rate

Answer

Apply ice packs to the patient's neck and axillae only

Answer

Administer a beta-blocker for the tachycardia

Question 5

The purpose of pre-oxygenation (denitrogenation) before induction of general anesthesia is to:

Accepted Answer

Extend the safe apnea window by maximizing lung oxygen reserves before intubation

Answer

Prevent malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Prevent laryngospasm

Answer

Reduce anesthetic agent requirements

Question 6

Which maneuver, performed by the CRNFA or circulating nurse during rapid sequence intubation (RSI), helps prevent aspiration by occluding the esophagus?

Accepted Answer

Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure)

Answer

Jaw thrust

Answer

Head-tilt chin-lift

Answer

Bimanual laryngoscopy