CCRN Nursing Exam Prep - Adult Critical Care

Answer - A - Developing severe weakness within 1 hour of the administration of Tensilon indicates a cholinergic crisis, or overdose of anticholinesterase drugs. The antidote for cholinergic crisis is atropine. Choice B is incorrect because it would be inappropriate to administer an anticholinesterase drug, such as pyridostigmine, to a client in cholinergic crisis. Choice C is incorrect because checking for constricted pupils does not provide useful information. Pupil constriction does not occur during a cholinergic crisis. Choice D is incorrect because intubation is not the first action. Atropine should be used first to counteract the toxic effects of the anticholinesterase drug.