Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 140
A client received lidocaine viscous before a gastroscopy was performed. Following the procedure, the nurse places a priority on what assessment?
A. Return of the gag reflex
B. Ability to urinate
C. Abdominal pain
D. Ability to stand
Correct Answer: A. Return of the gag reflex
Because the throat is anesthetized, monitor the client for return of the gag reflex before drinking or eating. Lidocaine viscous, a local anesthetic, is used to treat the pain of a sore or irritated mouth and throat often associated with cancer chemotherapy and certain medical procedures. Lidocaine viscous is not normally used for sore throats due to cold, flu, or infections such as strep throat.
Option B: Lidocaine viscous comes as a thick liquid and should be shaken well before using. Lidocaine viscous usually is used as needed but not more frequently than every 3 hours, with a maximum of 8 doses in 24 hours. In children under 3 years of age, do not use more frequently than every 3 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses in 12 hours. Because lidocaine viscous decreases the feeling in the mouth and/or throat, it may affect the ability to swallow. Avoid eating for at least 1 hour after using this drug. Avoid chewing gum while using this medication.
Option C: Lidocaine viscous may cause serious side effects or death in infants or children under 3 years of age if not used as recommended. Do not use lidocaine viscous to treat teething pain. Only use lidocaine viscous in infants or children under 3 years when prescribed by the doctor. Do not use more of it or use it more often than prescribed by the doctor.
Option D: For a sore or irritated mouth, the dose should be placed in the mouth, swished around until the pain goes away, and spit out. For a sore throat, the dose should be gargled and then may be swallowed. To avoid or decrease side effects, use the minimum amount of drug needed to relieve your pain. In infants and children under 3 years of age, use a measuring device to carefully measure the correct dose. Apply the medication to the affected area using a cotton-tipped applicator.