All operating and recovery room personnel should be trained in the recognition and treatment of malignant hyperthermia. A written treatment plan should be posted with the cart in appropriate area.
Malignant hyperthermia is a well-recognized syndrome which can occur in the presence of anesthesia.
The morbidity of this syndrome can be quite high if it is not recognized and treated appropriately. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists believes that thorough preoperative screening and prevention is the first step in protecting the public. Despite the increased awareness among healthcare professionals and screening for personal and familial history of the disease, malignant hyperthermia still occurs. Because of the seriousness of this syndrome and the continued rate of occurrence, the AANA believes that measures should be taken for early detection and treatment of the disease process. With the trend toward more surgical procedures and anesthetics being performed in nontraditional settings, it is imperative that anesthesia practitioners be prepared to handle a malignant hyperthermia crisis in any and all anesthetizing locations.