A 62-year-old man is to receive lidocaine as
treatment for a symptomatic dysrhythmia. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that he has a history of alcoholism and has late-stage liver failure. The nurse will expect which adjustments to his drug therapy?
a. The dosage will be reduced by 50.
b. A diuretic will be added to the lidocaine.
c. The lidocaine will be changed to an oral dosage form.
d. An increased dosage of lidocaine will be prescribed so as to obtain adequate blood levels.
Question 2
The nurse is preparing to administer
adenosine (Adenocard) to a patient who is experiencing an acute episode of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. When giving this medication, which is important to remember?
a. The onset of action occurs in 5 minutes.
b. The medication must be given as a slow intravenous (IV) push.
c. Asystole may occur for a few seconds after administration.
d. The medication has a long half-life, and therefore duration of action is very long.