Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

A patient who suddenly develops a rise in temperature after shock wave lithotripsy is suspected to have which condition?

1. Ureteral obstruction

2. Malignant hyperthermia

3. Sepsis

4. Renal contusion

The correct answer is: Sepsis

The rise in temperature observed in a patient following shock wave lithotripsy suggests a potential systemic infection, which aligns with the diagnosis of sepsis. During this procedure, fragments of stones are created, and there is the possibility that bacteria could be released into the bloodstream, especially if there is any pre-existing infection or inflammation. The body's response to this release can lead to fever as part of the systemic inflammatory response, characteristic of sepsis. Both ureteral obstruction and renal contusion can lead to complications, but they typically present with different symptoms and might not result in an immediate rise in temperature post-procedure. Malignant hyperthermia, although it involves a drastic increase in body temperature, is specifically triggered by certain anesthetic agents, which is unlikely to be the case in this scenario. Recognizing these details helps to pinpoint sepsis as the most fitting condition given the symptoms following the lithotripsy.