What sign of malignant hyperthermia should the nurse assess for during the perioperative period in a child receiving general anesthesia?

During the perioperative period, the nurse should monitor for signs of malignant hyperthermia, a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetic agents. Tachypnea, which is characterized by an increased respiratory rate, is an important sign to assess for in this context.

In cases of malignant hyperthermia, the body’s metabolism is significantly increased, leading to hypercarbia (elevated carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream) and acidosis. As a compensatory mechanism for the elevated levels of carbon dioxide, the respiratory system prompts tachypnea to increase the elimination of carbon dioxide and maintain acid-base balance.

Recognizing tachypnea is crucial as it serves as an early indicator for the potential development of malignant hyperthermia. Early identification allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Other symptoms such as apnea, bradycardia, and decreased blood pressure could occur during various anesthesia-related complications, but tachypnea specifically reflects the hypermetabolic state associated with malignant hyperthermia and warrants immediate attention in the perioperative setting.