Perioperative considerations for patients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders

This article first presents a brief description of musculoskeletal disease, then the anesthetic drugs that can trigger distress, and finally recommendations for perioperative nursing care based on pathophysiology and preservation of strength and function. The administration of a variety of anesthetic agents can exacerbate symptoms or result in unpredictable untoward effects on patients with musculoskeletal disease. Neuromuscular diseases result in diminished muscle strength. These deviations in structure and function must be considered when drafting a successful plan of care.