Chpt 16

• Block nicotinic M (NM) receptors on the motor end-plate
• can cause respiratory arrest
• Does not cause loss of consciousness
• May lower BP by vasodilation

• No, muscles involved in blinking are the first mus-
• cles to be paralyzed by neuromuscular blocking
• agents.

Respiratory arrest

Succinylcholine

neuromuscular blockade caused by succinylcholine which is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker

preparing for possible respiratory arrest

endoscopic procedures (endoscopy)

• Recent use of antibiotics;
• patient or family history of low pseudo-cholinesterase activity or malignant hypertension;
• patient history of myasthenia gravis and/or use of cholinesterase inhibitors;
• use of medications or conditions that could cause potassium imbalance

The elevated temperature is caused by a rare reac- tion causing muscle rigidity (malignant hyperther- mia) that produces heat.

To reduce the temperature, the muscles must be relaxed. Dantrolene reduces the release of calcium ions, preventing prolonged mus- cle contraction.

Acetaminophen works in the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce temperature. CNS changes are not the cause of malignant hyperthermia.