Final answer:
For malignant hyperthermia, dantrolene sodium is the primary medication used for treatment, acting to relax the muscles and reduce metabolic activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment for malignant hyperthermia (MH), a life-threatening condition often triggered by certain anesthetic agents, is primarily the administration of the medication dantrolene sodium. Dantrolene acts by relaxing the muscles and reducing the metabolic activity of muscle tissue, thereby addressing the symptoms of rapid heart rate, high body temperature, muscle rigidity, and acidosis that characterize MH. Aside from dantrolene, supportive care measures are used, such as oxygenation, cooling measures, and correction of metabolic acidosis with intravenous bicarbonate. It is crucial to discontinue any triggering agents and administer the treatment as rapidly as possible. The anesthetic gases known to trigger MH include halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, and succinylcholine.