ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Related

Review ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice related questions and content

Recent studies into the pathogenesis of halothane-induced malignant hyperthermia indicate which of the following as the likely implicating cause?

  • A. Drug toxicity
  • B. Excitation-contraction coupling defect
  • C. Myoplasmic sodium defect
  • D. Oxygen-hemoglobin concentration deficit
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) from halothane involves excitation-contraction coupling defects . MH, a genetic disorder, stems from ryanodine receptor (RYR1) mutations, causing uncontrolled calcium release in muscle, not drug toxicity . Sodium defects , oxygen deficits , or neural overmodulation (E) aren't implicated. This coupling defect triggers hypermetabolism, explaining MH's rapid onset with halothane exposure.