Malignant Hypothermia
What is malignant hyperthermia, and why is it considered a medical emergency?
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare genetic disorder that causes a dangerous reaction to certain anesthesia drugs. It is a medical emergency because it can quickly lead to very high body temperature, muscle breakdown, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.
What does the term LAST stand for and what happens in the body?
LAST is a serious condition that occurs when too much local anesthetic enters the bloodstream, affecting the brain, heart, and other organs.
What values are considered low and high for glucose?
Less than 80 and greater than 150
What is the code blue telephone number?
63133
What are three common signs or symptoms of malignant hyperthermia?
What are some early signs and symptoms of LAST?
Early symptoms may include dizziness, ringing in the ears, a metallic taste in the mouth, numbness around the lips, and confusion.
What is the practice for cleaning the glucose monitor?
2 wipes, 3 swipes
What do you need to communicate when calling an ERT or Code Blue?
Name
Type of Emergency
Unit & Floor
Room (if applicable)
Service
What is the name of the medication commonly used to treat malignant hyperthermia?
The medication is called Dantrolene or Ryonadex
T or F: Local anesthetic systemic toxicity only occurs after general anesthesia.
False. LAST can happen to anyone who receives a block.
How long are the control solutions and test strips good for?
Control solution 90 days, Test strips 180 days
What pieces of equipment should be brought to the bedside during an emergency?
Crash Cart
AED/Defib
Ambubag/Oxygen
Glucose Meter
Why is it important for people with a family history of malignant hyperthermia to inform their healthcare providers before surgery?
Healthcare providers can choose safer anesthesia medications and take precautions to prevent an episode from occurring.
What treatment may be given to help reverse severe LAST?
An intravenous lipid emulsion, such as Intralipid, may be administered along with other emergency treatments.
How long should you let the purple wipes dry to ensure effectiveness?
2 minutes
Who can a Code Blue be called for and how is it different than an ERT?
Code Blue is for anyone in the hospital; ERT is for inpatients and registered outpatients
At what point is malignant hyperthermia most likely to occur or recognized?
It most commonly occurs during surgery or shortly after surgery when a susceptible person is exposed to triggering anesthetic drugs.
Which healthcare procedures commonly involve the use of local anesthetics?
Dental procedures, minor surgeries, wound repairs, and nerve blocks for pain control commonly use local anesthetics.
What do you use to clean the monitor after a C-Diff patient?
Orange Top Wipes
What are the roles in the Pit Crew model?
Airway
Monitor/Defib
Med Admin
Code Lead
Access/IV
Compressor