A client has just had an endoscopic procedure at the gastroenterologist to rule out a hiatal hernia. During the procedure, she was administered a neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) as a muscle relaxant. Upon recovery, what should the health care practitioner watch for in terms of possible serious side effects?
a. Respiratory arrest
b. Hyperreflexia
c. Periorbital edema
d. Fluid third spacing

a) respiratory arrest

Explanation: the neuro-muscular blocking agent causes muscles to relax, respiration is vital for oxygen intake and and proper functioning of vital organs. Respiration depends on the diaphragm muscles for the expansion and contraction of the lungs; administration of NMBA can hamper the diaphragm muscles and this could be fatal hence, respiratory arrest should be watched out for.

a. Respiratory arrest

Explanation:

As we saw above, the patient received a dose of neuromuscular blocker as a muscle relaxant. This medication has the side effect of influencing a respiratory arrest. For this reason, after recovery, the health professional should be attentive and check if the patient is experiencing a respiratory arrest.

Neuromuscular blockers have the power to stop the transmission of nerve impulses at the skeletal neuromuscular junction. The result of this action is a paralysis in the muscles that need to be relaxed.

This medication can be used as an adjunct to anesthesia in surgeries in the chest and abdomen. However, it must be used with care because it can paralyze the muscles responsible for breathing, causing a respiratory arrest.

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