All of the following are cardiac effects of succinylcholine when administered in a 12 year old child, EXCEPT:
**Core Concept**
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker commonly used for rapid sequence intubation. In children, especially those under 16 years old, succinylcholine can cause significant cardiac effects due to its rapid release of potassium ions from muscle cells, leading to hyperkalemia. This can result in various cardiac manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
When administered to a 12-year-old child, succinylcholine can cause a significant increase in serum potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia. This can manifest as various cardiac effects, including:
- **Option C:** Cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, due to the rapid increase in potassium ions. This is the correct answer because arrhythmias are a known cardiac effect of succinylcholine in pediatric patients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Hyperkalemia is not a correct answer as it is a direct effect of succinylcholine administration, but it is not a cardiac effect. Hyperkalemia is a systemic effect that can lead to cardiac manifestations.
* **Option B:** Bradycardia is not a typical cardiac effect of succinylcholine in pediatric patients. While it can occur, it is not as directly related to the drug's mechanism of action as arrhythmias.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When administering succinylcholine to pediatric patients, especially those under 16 years old, it is essential to monitor their cardiac rhythm closely and be prepared to manage potential arrhythmias promptly.
**Correct Answer: C. Cardiac arrhythmias**