Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The implication of calcium channel blockade in the context of treating arrhythmias, particularly when considering malignant hyperthermia (MH), is significant. Calcium channel blockers can actually worsen certain types of arrhythmias by affecting the excitability and conduction within the heart muscle. In cases of MH, where the body's response to certain anesthetic agents can lead to a life-threatening hypermetabolic state, managing the resulting arrhythmias becomes crucial. Since calcium plays a vital role in cardiac conduction and muscle contraction, a blockade can lead to increased risks of more severe or persistent arrhythmias rather than alleviating them.

A thorough understanding of the physiological effects of medications on the heart is essential for managing patients who may be experiencing serious complications like MH, which is why this treatment option is handled cautiously and not recommended as a safe or first-line approach.