Question

A nurse is monitoring a client with frequent PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) of more than 6/min. The nurse prepares to bolus the client with lidocaine as ordered. Which of the following is important for the nurse to monitor after administering the medication?______

a. Vital signs, EKG, and neurological status.
b. Skin condition, dietary preferences, and sleep patterns.
c. Blood glucose levels, respiratory rate, and mobility status.
d. Family history, social activities, and mood assessment.

Answer 1

After administering lidocaine to a client with frequent PVCs, a nurse should monitor vital signs, EKG, and neurological status to assess for drug effectiveness and signs of potential toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse preparing to bolus a client with frequent PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) using lidocaine should monitor the following:

• Vital signs: It's essential to track changes that might indicate the drug's effectiveness or adverse effects.
• EKG: Continuous monitoring is necessary to assess the heart's electrical activity and observe any changes in the rhythm or appearance of PVCs.
• Neurological status: Observing for any signs of potential toxicity such as altered mental status, which might suggest lidocaine levels are too high.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which are crucial for initiating and conducting electrical impulses in nerve cells. By administering lidocaine, a nurse aims to stabilize the myocardial cells and prevent PVCs, which can be a precursor to more serious arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation, a condition requiring immediate resuscitation efforts like defibrillation.