ATI Clinical Exam Related

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A nurse in a coronary care unit is admitting a patient who has had CPR following a cardiac arrest. The patient is receiving lidocaine IV at 2 mg/min. When the patient asks the nurse why he is receiving that medication, the nurse should explain that it has which of the following actions? Why is the patient receiving lidocaine?

  • A. Relieves pain.
  • B. Slows intestinal motility.
  • C. Dissolves blood clots.
  • D. Prevents dysrhythmias.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient is receiving lidocaine to prevent dysrhythmias after experiencing a cardiac arrest. Lidocaine is a class IB antiarrhythmic drug that stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane, reducing the likelihood of abnormal electrical activity and dysrhythmias. It does not relieve pain, slow intestinal motility, or dissolve blood clots. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as it directly addresses the purpose of administering lidocaine in this specific clinical scenario.