Which factor is critical when screening patients for potential risk of malignant hyperthermia?

Which factor is critical when screening patients for potential risk of malignant hyperthermia?

• A. Type of surgery planned
• B. Family history related to anesthesia
• C. Patient's dietary habits
• D. Duration of previous surgeries

Answer: (B)

When screening patients for potential risk of malignant hyperthermia, family history related to anesthesia is crucial. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening condition that can be triggered by certain anesthetic agents, and it often has a genetic predisposition. Knowing whether there is a history of malignant hyperthermia in the family can help clinicians identify patients who may be at a higher risk of this reaction during surgical procedures. Family history can indicate any prior instances of malignant hyperthermia in relatives, which suggests that the patient may also possess the same genetic susceptibility. This information is vital for the anesthetic team because if a patient is identified as being at increased risk, they can take appropriate precautions and select alternative anesthetic agents that do not trigger malignant hyperthermia. While the type of surgery planned, patient's dietary habits, and duration of previous surgeries are important considerations in overall patient assessment and management, they do not have the same direct correlation to the risk of malignant hyperthermia as does the family history concerning anesthesia.

When screening patients for potential risk of malignant hyperthermia, family history related to anesthesia is crucial. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening condition that can be triggered by certain anesthetic agents, and it often has a genetic predisposition. Knowing whether there is a history of malignant hyperthermia in the family can help clinicians identify patients who may be at a higher risk of this reaction during surgical procedures.

Family history can indicate any prior instances of malignant hyperthermia in relatives, which suggests that the patient may also possess the same genetic susceptibility. This information is vital for the anesthetic team because if a patient is identified as being at increased risk, they can take appropriate precautions and select alternative anesthetic agents that do not trigger malignant hyperthermia.

While the type of surgery planned, patient's dietary habits, and duration of previous surgeries are important considerations in overall patient assessment and management, they do not have the same direct correlation to the risk of malignant hyperthermia as does the family history concerning anesthesia.