A 45-Year-Old Quadriplegic Man with Suspected Bacterial Pneumonia Is Admitted

A 45-year-old quadriplegic man with suspected bacterial pneumonia is admitted to the hospital and started on intravenous antibiotics.  Over the next 24 hours, he develops progressive respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.  Prior to intubation, a skeletal muscle relaxant is administered and the patient subsequently goes into cardiac arrest.  His attached cardiac monitor shows ventricular fibrillation.  While he is being resuscitated, his serum potassium level is drawn and later comes back as 9.5 mEq/L.  Administration of which of the following agents is most likely responsible for this patient's condition?

A) Atracurium
B) Baclofen
C) Dantrolene
D) Succinylcholine
E) Vecuronium

Correct Answer:

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