Module 4: Malignant Hyperthermia

🎯 Module Objectives

1. Define Malignant Hyperthermia (MH).
2. Describe the signs and symptoms of MH.
3. Explain nursing considerations during an MH crisis.
4. Describe different pharmacological therapies for MH.
5. Describe the roles of the circulating and scrub nurses during the management of an MH crisis.

(ORNAC, 2021)

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📖 Required Readings

Alexander’s Care of the patient in surgery
16th ed. P. 138 – 140 (start at Malignant Hyperthermia)
17th ed. p 135-136 (start at Malignant Hyperthermia)

ORNAC standards 2021
Pg 5-19 to 5-21

ORNAC standards 2023
5.8 Malignant Hyperthermia (5-27)

AORN CineMed Video
Malignant Hyperthermia Crisis: A Team in Action

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Introduction

This module covers Malignant Hyperthermia (MH), a life-threatening condition that occurs when patients at risk are exposed to volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, a muscle relaxant. MH is an inherited condition of the skeletal muscles that can occur intraoperatively or postoperatively.