**Core Concept**
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening medical emergency triggered by certain volatile anesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants. It is characterized by an uncontrolled rise in body temperature, muscle rigidity, and metabolic acidosis.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The first line of management in malignant hyperthermia involves immediate discontinuation of the triggering agent and administration of dantrolene, a skeletal muscle relaxant that inhibits calcium ion release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Dantrolene acts by blocking the ryanodine receptor (RyR1), which is responsible for the abnormal calcium release that leads to MH. This intervention helps to rapidly reverse the symptoms and prevent further tissue damage.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Administration of activated charcoal would be ineffective in treating MH, as it does not address the underlying cause of the condition.
**Option B:** Cooling the patient with fans or ice packs would only provide temporary relief and would not address the underlying biochemical abnormalities driving the condition.
**Option C:** Administering a beta-blocker, such as propranolol, would not be effective in treating MH, as it does not address the abnormal calcium release or the underlying pathophysiology of the condition.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Malignant hyperthermia is a medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and treatment. It is essential to have dantrolene readily available in the operating room or anesthesia department to treat suspected cases of MH.

**Correct Answer:** B. Administration of dantrolene is the first line of management in malignant hyperthermia.