What is the primary consequence of untreated malignant hyperthermia?

Untreated malignant hyperthermia can lead to life-threatening complications, with cardiac arrest being one of the most critical consequences. Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain anesthetics and muscle relaxants, causing a rapid increase in body temperature and metabolic rate. During this condition, the excessive calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle cells leads to sustained muscle contractions, increased carbon dioxide production, and a potentially fatal rise in body temperature.

As the metabolic demands of the body increase dramatically, the cardiovascular system may not be able to keep up with the demands, leading to arrhythmias and ultimately cardiac arrest if not promptly addressed. Swift intervention is necessary to prevent these severe outcomes, including the administration of dantrolene, which is the drug of choice to manage malignant hyperthermia by reducing calcium release from muscle cells.

In a clinical context, monitoring and immediate responses during surgery are crucial to prevent the escalation of this condition. Other options, such as rapid recovery post-surgery or improvement in muscle function, do not align with the complications of malignant hyperthermia, nor does an increased respiratory rate accurately reflect the primary consequence associated with this serious reaction.