Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
A nurse in a coronary care unit is admitting a client who has had CPR following a cardiac arrest. The client is receiving lidocaine IV at 2 mg/min. When the client asks the nurse why he is receiving that medication, the nurse should explain that it has which of the following actions?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Prevents dysrhythmias. Lidocaine is commonly used in the management of dysrhythmias, particularly ventricular arrhythmias. It works by stabilizing the cardiac cell membrane, preventing abnormal electrical activity that can lead to life-threatening rhythms. Choice B (Relieves pain) is incorrect as lidocaine is not used for pain relief in this context. Choice C (Dissolves blood clots) is incorrect as lidocaine does not have anticoagulant properties. Choice D (Slows intestinal motility) is incorrect as lidocaine does not affect intestinal motility.