Muscle Relaxants (Neuromuscular Blockers)

Question 1

Muscle Relaxants (Neuromuscular Blockers)

Answer 1

. Given in conjunction with anesthetic gas to allow muscle relaxation that the surgeon needs
. Administered IV at intervals in small doses during the surgical procedure
. Interferes with passage of impulses from the motor nerves to the skeletal muscles (neuromuscular block)
. Risk for respiratory depression because diaphragm and accessory muscles of respiration are likewise paralyzed

Question 2

Types of Muscle Relaxants:

Answer 2

1. Non-depolarizing agents
2. Depolarizing agents

Question 3

1. Non-depolarizing agents

Answer 3

• Non- depolarizing agents block the transmission of nerve impulse to muscle cells.
  . Prevent muscle contractions
  Do not cause muscle fasciculations*Examples: Atracurium
  Pancuronium bromide (Pavulon)
  . Antagonist is neostigmine (Prostigmin)

Question 4

Atracurium Pancuronium bromide (Pavulon) is an example of what?

Answer 4

Non-depolarizing agents
. Prevent muscle contractions
. Do not cause muscle fasciculations*

Question 5

neostigmine (Prostigmin) is an antagonist of what?

Answer 5

Atracurium Pancuronium bromide (Pavulon) a non-depolarizing agent (muscle relaxant)

Question 6

2. Depolarizing agents

Answer 6

• Depolarizing agents keep the cell membrane depolarized therefore no nerve impulse can stimulate the muscle.
  . produce muscle fasciculations* followed by flaccidity
  . no antagonist available, wears off by itself

Example:
succinylcholine chloride

Question 7

succinylcholine chloride is an example of?

Answer 7

Depolarizing agents
. produce muscle fasciculations* followed by flaccidity
. no antagonist available, wears off by itself