Plastic surgical nursing : official journal of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses
-
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a hypermetabolic syndrome triggered in genetically susceptible individuals when certain potent inhalation anesthetics or succinylcholine are administered. The signs of MH include a greatly increased body metabolism, muscle rigidity and eventual hyperthermia that may exceed 110 degrees F. Death can result from cardiac arrest, brain damage, internal hemorrhaging or failure of other body systems. ⋯ High-risk patients cannot always be identified by history, and preparation of every OR is essential. Supplies of dantrolene and other medications must be kept in the OR area. If MH develops, acting within minutes may save a life.
-
Elderly patients may be at greater risk for perioperative complications and mortality due to an increased prevalence of age-related concomitant diseases, often more than one at a time, and a basic decline in organ functioning over time. Risks associated with age in the plastic surgery population may be minimized by a better understanding of the physiologic changes as well as the preoperative and postoperative considerations in caring for this special group of patients. The purpose of this article is to review the changes that occur with aging and the nursing care implications necessary to minimize the associated risks with anesthesia and plastic surgery.