Pathophysiology
Triggers
Clinical Signs
Emergency Treatment
Nursing Roles & Prevention
100

This receptor’s abnormal function causes calcium to flood into muscle cells.

What is the Ryanodine receptor?

100

This depolarizing muscle relaxant is a well-known MH trigger.

What is succinylcholine?

100

This is usually the first sign of MH noted in the operating room.

What is rise in end tidal CO2?

100

This drug is the only specific treatment for MH.

What is Dantrolene (or Ryanodex)?

100

Nurses must do this first when recognizing early warning signs of MH.

What is call for help/activate the MH protocol?

200

The buildup of this ion leads to sustained muscle contraction and rigidity.

What is Calcium?

200

Sevoflurane and desflurane belong to this drug class that can trigger MH.

What are volatile inhaled anesthetics?

200

Rigidity of this facial muscle after succinylcholine may indicate MH.

What is the masseter muscle?

200

This is the IV dose of Dantrolene (or Ryanodex). 

What is 2.5 mg/kg IV, repeated as needed?

200

This provider must immediately discontinue triggering agents and lead the administration of dantrolene.

Who is the anesthesiologist?

300

This overall state is marked by increased CO₂, acidosis, and tachycardia.

What is a hypermetabolic state?

300

Besides anesthesia, this type of external physical stress may contribute to MH.

What is heat or exercise?

300

Dark or brown urine indicates this dangerous complication.

What is myoglobinuria from rhabdomyolysis?

300

Patients should be hyperventilated with this gas at high flow.

What is 100% oxygen?

300

During an MH crisis, this team member assists the anesthesia provider by preparing the anesthesia machine for flushing with 100% oxygen, setting up charcoal filters, and helping with emergency equipment.

Who is the anesthesia technician?

400

MH follows this type of genetic inheritance pattern.

What is autosomal dominant?

400

Name one volatile anesthetic that can trigger MH.

What is sevoflurane, desflurane, or halothane?

400

This electrolyte imbalance contributes to life-threatening dysrhythmias in MH.

What is hyperkalemia?

400

Placing ice packs and infusing chilled fluids are examples of this intervention.

What is active cooling?
400

Following an MH crisis, patients should be monitored in ICU for this length of time.

What is at least 24 hours?

500

This diagnostic test, performed on a muscle biopsy, is considered the gold standard for confirming MH susceptibility.

What is caffeine-halothane contracture test?

500

True or False — non-depolarizing muscle relaxants trigger MH.

What is false?

500

This cardiac complication, often triggered by hyperkalemia in MH, can rapidly become fatal if not treated promptly.

What are dysrhythmias?

500

These heart drugs should be avoided in MH because of their interaction with dantrolene.

What are calcium channel blockers?

500

In prevention, this critical resource must be fully stocked, checked, and accessible as soon as possible in every OR. 

What is the MH cart?