PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What condition primarily results from malignant hyperthermia during surgery?

1. Severe muscle rigidity

2. Respiratory failure

3. Massive blood loss

4. Post-operative nausea

The correct answer is: Severe muscle rigidity

Malignant hyperthermia is a serious reaction to certain anesthesia medications, particularly volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. This condition is characterized primarily by a rapid increase in metabolic rate, leading to severe muscle rigidity. The muscle rigidity occurs due to sustained contraction, which results in an excessive release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle. This intense muscle contraction can lead to a cascade of metabolic disturbances, including increased body temperature, acidosis, and elevated levels of carbon dioxide. While the other conditions listed may occur during surgery for various reasons, they are not direct consequences of malignant hyperthermia. Respiratory failure, for instance, could arise from other complications or insufficient ventilation during anesthesia, but is not specifically a hallmark of malignant hyperthermia. Similarly, massive blood loss during surgery is typically related to surgical technique or underlying pathology rather than malignant hyperthermia. Post-operative nausea may be a side effect of anesthesia but also is not directly linked to this hypermetabolic crisis. Understanding the primary presentation of malignant hyperthermia, notably the severe muscle rigidity, is crucial for early recognition and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for patients affected by this life-threatening condition.