A nurse is preparing to administer lidocaine 50 mg IV bolus.
Available is lidocaine 200 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose? rounded off to the nearest hundredth

Atrial fibrillation with a rapid heart rate can lead to decreased cardiac output and compromised blood flow, which can have serious consequences, including stroke and heart failure. Therefore, this client requires immediate attention to assess and manage the cardiac rhythm.

While the other clients also have significant health concerns, they are not as acutely life-threatening as a new onset of atrial fibrillation with a high heart rate. Prioritizing care based on the urgency and severity of the condition is crucial in the emergency department setting.

Choice A rationale:

Serosanguineous drainage noted on the abdominal dressing is a common finding in the early postoperative period. It is a mixture of clear and bloody drainage and is often seen after surgery. This does not typically require immediate reporting unless it becomes excessive or changes significantly. The nurse can continue to monitor and assess the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Postoperative laboratory results of Hgb 15% and Hct 40% are within the normal range for most adults, and there is no immediate need to report these results to the provider. These values suggest that the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are within an acceptable range, indicating adequate oxygen-carrying capacity.

Choice C rationale:

The client's urine output has been 50 mL since surgery, which is significantly decreased and could indicate a potential issue with renal function or fluid balance. This should be reported to the provider, as it may be indicative of kidney impairment, dehydration, or other postoperative complications.

Choice D rationale:

The client's pain level decreasing after the administration of morphine is an expected response to pain management interventions. There is no need to report this information to the provider unless the pain relief is inadequate or the client experiences adverse effects. Pain management is an essential part of postoperative care, and successful pain reduction is a positive outcome.