Final answer:
Lidocaine is used as an antiarrhythmic during cardiac arrest with an initial bolus of 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg, followed by additional doses as needed, and a maximum cumulative dose of 3 mg/kg. It works by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, thereby reducing excitability of cardiac cells and stabilizing heart rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper dosing of lidocaine during cardiac arrest as an antiarrhythmic is typically initiated with a bolus of 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg body weight, followed by a continuous infusion if necessary. If additional doses are required, they can be given at half the initial dose (0.5 to 0.75 mg/kg) at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes, with a maximum cumulative dose of 3 mg/kg. It should be noted that dosing and administration can vary depending on specific protocols and patient factors, so it is essential to follow institutional guidelines or consult a medical professional.
Lidocaine acts by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which are crucial in the generation and conduction of electrical signals in the heart and nervous system. By inhibiting these channels, lidocaine reduces the excitability of cardiac cells, helping to stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the heart during arrhythmias. In the context of local anesthesia, this same mechanism leads to numbness and pain relief by preventing the initiation and propagation of nerve impulses.