Final answer:
Malignant hyperthermia is characterized by sudden high fever, severe muscle contractions, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and can lead to ARDS and metabolic acidosis. This serious condition necessitates immediate medical intervention to prevent potentially fatal complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but serious side effect of anesthesia. It is characterized by a sudden high fever, and if untreated, it can lead to severe muscle contractions, increased heart rate, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and potentially uncontrollable muscle spasms. It results from an adverse reaction to certain anesthetic drugs and can cause a rapid increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), potentially leading to complications such as muscle tissue breakdown, increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis), and high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can cause cardiac and central nervous system issues. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to manage the symptoms and prevent serious complications, including death.