Succinylcholine is safest for use in burn patients during which time period after the burn injury?
- A Within the first 24 hours only ✓
- B From 24 hours to 2 years post-burn
- C From 48 hours to 6 months post-burn
- D At any time after the burn injury
Correct answer: A. Within the first 24 hours only
Explanation
Succinylcholine is safe within the first 24 hours of a burn injury. After approximately 24 hours, extrajunctional nicotinic receptors proliferate on the muscle membrane. Succinylcholine activates these receptors, causing massive potassium release and risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia. This risk persists for up to 2 years post-burn. Non-depolarizing agents are preferred after the first 24 hours.
Reference: Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.