A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed lidocaine for the treatment of arrhythmias. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for as an adverse effect of this medication?

Verapamil is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmias. Verapamil works by relaxing the blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart. However, verapamil can also affect the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, causing them to contract less frequently and forcefully.This can lead to constipation, which is a common side effect of verapamil.

Choice A is wrong because verapamil does not cause hypertension, but rather lowers blood pressure.In fact, verapamil can sometimes cause hypotension, which is abnormally low blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because verapamil does not cause hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood.Verapamil can actually lower potassium levels by increasing its excretion in the urine.Hyperkalemia can be caused by other medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or potassium-sparing diuretics.

Choice C is wrong because verapamil does not cause hypoglycemia, which is a low level of glucose in the blood.Verapamil does not affect insulin secretion or glucose metabolism.Hypoglycemia can be caused by other medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, or by fasting, alcohol consumption, or exercise.

The normal ranges for blood pressure, potassium, and glucose are as follows:

• Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) when fasting and less than 140/90 mm Hg two hours after eating for people without diabetes; less than 130/80 mm Hg for people with diabetes.

• Potassium: 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L (millimoles per liter) or 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter).

• Glucose: less than 100 mg/d

Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic medication that can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as an adverse effect. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for the normal functioning of the heart and muscles.Hypokalemia can cause arrhythmias, muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue.

Choice A is wrong because quinidine does not cause hypertension (high blood pressure).In fact, quinidine can lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the force of heart contractions.Normal blood pressure ranges are less than 120/80 mm Hg for systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively.

Choice B is wrong because quinidine does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).Quinidine does not affect insulin secretion or glucose metabolism.Normal blood glucose ranges are 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) before meals and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after meals.

Choice D is wrong because quinidine does not cause hypernatremia (high sodium levels).Quinidine does not affect sodium balance or excretion. Sodium is another electrolyte that is important for fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.Hypernatremia can cause thirst, confusion, seizures, and coma.Normal sodium ranges are 135 to 145 mEq/L (135 to 145 mmol/L).