A patient with a tension pneumothorax requires insertion of a pleural chest tube.The nurse assists the physician as multiple doses of a local anesthetic are administered prior to tube insertion.Which observation by the nurse warrants immediate physician attention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A significant decrease in heart rate (from 100 to 75 beats per minute) after administration of a local anesthetic may indicate systemic toxicity of the anesthetic, which can affect cardiac function. This warrants immediate attention.

A Patient with a Tension Pneumothorax Requires Insertion of a Pleural