Malignant hyperthermia--the perioperative nurse's role.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) usually is triggered during or after administration of commonly used general anesthetics, and it can result in death if left untreated. The only definitive diagnostic test for MH is the caffeine halothane contracture test. A new molecular genetic diagnostic blood test may offer a less-invasive alternative for some patients. Hyperthermia, the cardinal sign of MH, is a relatively late symptom. Other clinical signs include tachyarrhythmias, tachypnea, and acidosis. Perioperative nurses should perform MH risk assessments during routine preoperative interviews to identify patients at risk for MH crisis. Perioperative nurses must respond rapidly and ensure the cooperation of the OR team when dealing with MH.