Final answer:
During an appendectomy under general anesthesia, the patient experienced muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and hyperthermia. This is likely due to malignant hyperthermia (MH), which is triggered by certain medications used during anesthesia. MH is caused by uncontrolled release of calcium ions from the muscle cells, leading to muscle rigidity, increased body heat, and rapid heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism behind the muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and hyperthermia that the patient experienced during the appendectomy under general anesthesia is the uncontrolled release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the muscle cells. This condition is known as malignant hyperthermia (MH). MH is triggered by certain medications used during anesthesia, such as succinylcholine and inhaled anesthetics, and it is predominantly caused by a change in the calcium regulation inside the muscle cells.
These medications lead to uncontrolled muscle contractions and the release of high levels of calcium ions, which results in muscle rigidity. The increased muscle activity causes the body to produce more heat, leading to hyperthermia. In addition, the release of calcium ions from the muscle cells can affect the heart, causing tachycardia.