Case study analysis
(1) As the BSN-prepared registered nurse, what assessment should be performed?
The nurse checks the patient and notes a heart rate of 185 beats/minute, as validated by the bedside cardiac monitor. The nurse asks the patient to bear down – to help stimulate the vagus nerve and slow the heart rate. The nurse records a full set of vital signs and performs a 12-lead ECG. The physician arrives on the unit, examines the 12-lead and diagnoses Ventricular Tachycardia; and subsequently orders a Lidocaine IV bolus dose of 100 mg.
(2) What precautions must the BSN-prepared registered nurse take before and DURING the administration of the IV Lidocaine bolus dose?
The Lidocaine bolus dose is infused, and the physician orders a maintenance infusion.
(3) What is the standard concentration and typical order for the IV administration of a continuous Lidocaine dose?
(4) What information would you include when reporting to the physician the patient’s response to the Lidocaine infusion?
