Question

Following a myocardial infarction, a client develops an arrhythmia and requires a continuous infusion of lidocaine. To monitor the effectiveness of the intervention, the nurse should focus primarily on the client's _________.

Answer 1

To monitor the effectiveness of lidocaine infusion in treating an arrhythmia following a myocardial infarction, the nurse should primarily focus on the client's heart rhythm.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following a myocardial infarction, a client may develop an arrhythmia and require a continuous infusion of lidocaine. To monitor the effectiveness of the intervention, the nurse should focus primarily on the client's heart rhythm.

By monitoring the client's heart rhythm using an electrocardiogram (ECG), the nurse can assess whether the lidocaine is effectively controlling the arrhythmia. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, allowing the nurse to identify any abnormal rhythms or changes.

Additionally, the nurse should also assess the client's vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, as they can provide further indications of the effectiveness of the lidocaine infusion.