The emergency department nurse is administering IV lidocaine to patients.
What adverse effect of lidocaine therapy should the nurse assess for?

Choice A rationale

Taking medication at the first sign of nausea may be too late to prevent motion sickness as it takes time for the medication to be absorbed and take effect.

Choice B rationale

Taking medication just prior to takeoff might not give the drug enough time to be absorbed and start working effectively.

Choice C rationale

Taking medication just prior to boarding the flight may not provide sufficient time for the drug to reach its peak effectiveness.

Choice D rationale

Taking the medication at 0700 before leaving for the airport allows enough time for the drug to be absorbed and reach its peak effect, which is essential for preventing motion sickness during the flight.

Choice A rationale

Improved mental status can be a sign of better overall health but is not a specific indicator of improved heart failure status.

Choice B rationale

Using fewer pillows at night indicates reduced orthopnea, a common symptom of heart failure, suggesting that the patient’s heart failure status has improved.

Choice C rationale

Increased skin turgor indicates improved hydration status but is not a specific measure of heart failure improvement.

Choice D rationale

Heart rate regularity is important but does not directly indicate improved heart failure status.