Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

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Which of the following drugs is associated with significant potassium release in burn patients?

Sodium Bicarbonate
Succinylcholine
Sevoflurane
Desflurane

The correct answer is: Succinylcholine

The drug that is associated with significant potassium release in burn patients is succinylcholine. This is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker commonly used to induce muscle relaxation for intubation and during surgical procedures. In the context of burn injuries or conditions that lead to an increased production of potassium, succinylcholine can lead to a substantial release of potassium from the damaged muscle cells into the bloodstream. Burn injuries can cause muscle cell breakdown and release intracellular potassium, which can already elevate serum potassium levels. When succinylcholine is administered, it further exacerbates this elevation by stimulating the receptors at the neuromuscular junction, promoting potassium efflux. This is especially dangerous in burn patients who may already be at risk for hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications. Other drugs listed do not have the same association with potassium release in burn patients. Sodium bicarbonate is primarily used for metabolic acidosis rather than potassium management. Sevoflurane and desflurane are inhalational anesthetics and are not known to significantly affect potassium levels in the same manner. Therefore, succinylcholine stands out as the drug of concern regarding potassium release in this specific population.