Final answer:
Malignant hyperthermia can be prevented by identifying individuals at risk through family history or the caffeine-halothane contracture test, avoiding triggering anesthetics, and ensuring that non-triggering drugs are used for anesthesia. Patients known to be at risk should have a clearly indicated medical history and immediate access to dantrolene in case of an emergency.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent malignant hyperthermia, which is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia, it's crucial to be aware of the risk factors, such as family history. If an individual is at risk, they should inform their medical provider before any surgery. Malignant hyperthermia can be prevented by avoiding triggering anesthetics and using non-triggering drugs for anesthesia.
One diagnostic method is the caffeine-halothane contracture test (CHCT), which measures the response of a muscle biopsy to caffeine and halothane. Patients with a positive test should avoid exposure to the agents known to trigger malignant hyperthermia and ensure that their medical records reflect this sensitivity.
In the event of exposure to triggering agents, immediate treatment with dantrolene, a muscle relaxant that mitigates the reaction, is vital. Proper emergency protocols should be in place in healthcare settings to provide rapid response if malignant hyperthermia occurs.