You are caring for a patient who takes an antiarrhythmic agent.
What would be the priority nursing assessment before administering this drug?

Choice A rationale

Cholinergic agonists primarily stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system rather than the central nervous system, affecting activities like digestion, salivation, and decreased heart rate.

Choice B rationale

Parasympathetic nervous system is the correct answer. Cholinergic agonists mimic acetylcholine and stimulate parasympathetic responses, promoting rest-and-digest functions such as reducing heart rate and enhancing glandular secretions.

Choice C rationale

The sympathetic nervous system is not stimulated by cholinergic agonists. Instead, this system is activated by adrenergic agonists, which prepare the body for fight-or-flight responses, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice D rationale

Voluntary nervous system control is not the primary target of cholinergic agonists. This system governs skeletal muscle movement and is influenced by neuromuscular junctions rather than the autonomic responses modulated by cholinergic drugs. .

Choice A rationale

While tinnitus can occur with certain medications, it is not a common adverse effect of lidocaine.

Choice B rationale

Dizziness is a common adverse effect of lidocaine and can indicate an issue with its administration.

Choice C rationale

Dysphagia is not a typical adverse effect of lidocaine administration.

Choice D rationale

Excessive bruising is not associated with lidocaine but rather with anticoagulants or trauma.