A patient will receive atracurium (Tracrium) during surgery for neuromuscular blockade. The nurse caring for this patient will correctly perform which of the following actions?
a. Assess the patient for signs of CNS depression.
b. Ensure that dantrolene is available in case of a serious adverse reaction.
c. Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
d. Review the preprocedure laboratory values related to renal and hepatic function.
ANS: C
Atracurium is used for muscle relaxation during surgery. Unlike other drugs in this class, it can cause hypotension secondary to antihistamine release. Cholinesterase inhibitors can reverse this reaction. Drugs in this class do not cause CNS depression. Dantrolene is the agent used to treat malignant hyperthermia, which is triggered by succinylcholine. Atracurium is eliminated primarily by plasma cholinesterase and not by the renal or hepatic routes.
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