Neuromusclar Blocking Drugs

Question 1

How do depolarizing neuromuscular blockade agents work?

Answer 1

The agents bind to receptors on motor neurons, inducing persistent muscular depolarization and muscular flaccidity

Question 2

How do non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade agents work?

Answer 2

The agents compete with acetylcholine for receptors on the motor end plate, preventing acetylcholine from binding to receptors, thus causing muscular flaccidity

Question 3

Name an example of a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade agent:

Answer 3

rocuronium, vecuronium, pancuronium

Question 4

Name an example of a depolarizing neuromuscular blockade agent:

Answer 4

Succinylcholine

Question 5

True or False: Succinylcholine can be reversed.

Answer 5

False

Question 6

Succinylcholine is a trigger for what complication?

Answer 6

Malignant Hyperthermia

Question 7

Why is succinylcholine avoided in patients with ESRD, burns, and extensive trauma?

Answer 7

It may worsen hyperkalemia in a patient that is already hyperkalemic

Question 8

What are side effects of rocuronium, vecuronium, and pancuronium?

Answer 8

Tachycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm

Question 9

How does neostigmine work?

Answer 9

It allows acetylcholine to build up at the receptor sites, displacing the NMBDs and inhibiting their action

Question 10

What are the side effects of neostigmine?

Answer 10

Bradycardia, bronchospasm, increased secretions

Question 11

Name two medications that can be given to counteract the side effects of neostigmine:

Answer 11

Atropine and glycopyrrolate (Robinul)

Question 12

What must you teach your patient if they receive sugammadex?

Answer 12

Sugammadex decreases hormonal birth control efficacy so they will need a back-up method for 7 days