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

Choice A rationale

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is not indicated to counteract the effects of warfarin. It does not have a role in reversing anticoagulation or managing bleeding. High doses of Vitamin E can actually interfere with clotting and potentially exacerbate bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Protamine Sulfate is an antidote for heparin, not warfarin. It works by neutralizing the effects of heparin, which is an anticoagulant that acts quickly to prevent clot formation. Warfarin works differently and requires a different antidote for its anticoagulant effect.

Choice C rationale

Calcium Gluconate is not an antidote for warfarin. It is typically used in cases of hypocalcemia and can stabilize cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia but has no effect on reversing warfarin-induced anticoagulation or bleeding.

Choice D rationale

Vitamin K is the correct antidote for warfarin. It counteracts the anticoagulant effects by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors that warfarin inhibits. Administering Vitamin K is standard practice in reversing the effects of warfarin and managing bleeding complications.

Choice A rationale

While a complete blood count (CBC) is an essential lab value for monitoring many conditions and potential side effects, it is not the primary concern when administering high doses of azithromycin, especially with co-administration of acetaminophen. The focus should be on liver function.

Choice B rationale

Urinalysis is useful in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions but is not directly relevant to monitoring the side effects of azithromycin and acetaminophen. These medications do not typically cause urinary abnormalities that would necessitate frequent urinalysis.

Choice C rationale

Electrolytes are not directly affected by azithromycin and acetaminophen use. Although monitoring electrolytes can be essential in broader contexts, these specific medications do not primarily impact electrolyte balance requiring focused monitoring.

Choice D rationale

Liver enzymes are the key lab values to monitor when administering high doses of azithromycin and acetaminophen. Both medications are metabolized by the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver enzymes helps in detecting early signs of liver damage and preventing further complications.