Question

A 42- year old male patient has been admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease with a 75% blockage on one side. He is scheduled for angioplasty today. He has a history of depression and alcoholism but states he has not had a drink for 1 year. The heart monitor indicates increased premature ventricular contractions (PVC’s). The nurse notes a 30 second run of ventricular tachycardia and will initiate standing orders for a lidocaine infusion. Standing orders read: “For episodes of ventricular tachycardia, give a loading dose of 50 mg of lidocaine IV push, repeat this dose in 5 minutes, and then begin a continuous infusion of 1 mg/min IV, do not exceed 200-300 mg over 1 hour.”

What will the nurse monitor while the patient is receiving the lidocaine infusion and why?

Answer 1

lidocaine has various effects on but it is also a class-1b antiarrhythmic drug, so, it is sometimes used to stop ventricular arrhythmias.

The patient is receiving lidocaine infusion.

1. The nurse should monitor the ECG with a continuous monitor for arrhythmias and PVCs(Premature ventricular contraction).

2. The should frequently monitor Blood pressure because there is a chance of Hypotension with continuous infusion of lidocaine.

3. Monitor patient neurological status because it also can alter the neurological status and can create confusion.

4. Measure serum lidocaine level to ensure the therapeutic level of lidocaine in the body.

5. check any sign for Anaphylactoid reactions because it can occur during the infusion.