Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Jun 2002
ReviewResidual neuromuscular blockade in the immediate postoperative period.
Neuromuscular blocking agents are among the most potent and dangerous drugs administered in the course of a general anesthetic. Their residual actions can have profound effects on a patient's ability to adequately ventilate. Understanding the basics of their actions and the methods of monitoring the level of neuromuscular blockade will assist the PACU nurse in diagnosing the cause of postoperative muscle weakness and hypoventilation. This article will review the mechanisms of action and monitoring of neuromuscular blocking agents, as well as provide a basic overview of postoperative complications involving hypoventilation and motor weakness.