Code Malignant Hyperthermia: Malignant Hyperthermia in the Emergency Department-Implications for Nursing

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, life-threatening hypermetabolic reaction that can strike unexpectedly in the emergency department, demanding swift recognition and intervention to save lives. This syndrome can be fatal if not treated and occurrs in 1 in 100,000 adults and 1 in 30,000 children, with a 3% to 5% mortality rate. Although often associated with perioperative environments, malignant hyperthermia should remain on the radar for emergency nurses, especially when patients exhibit sudden hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia after intubation or procedural sedation. This article emphasizes early recognition, rapid intervention strategies, and preparedness protocols tailored to the ED context to improve outcomes for patients with malignant hyperthermia.