Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is an early sign of lidocaine toxicity?

1. Cardiac arrest

2. Muscle twitching

3. Hypotension

4. Seizures

The correct answer is: Muscle twitching

Lidocaine toxicity can manifest with various neurological signs, and muscle twitching is one of the early indicators. This occurs because lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can affect the central nervous system, leading to increased neuronal excitability. As the plasma levels of lidocaine rise, individuals may first experience symptoms like muscle twitching, which can progress to more severe symptoms like seizures if the toxicity worsens. Understanding the progression of lidocaine toxicity is crucial for timely intervention. Early recognition of muscle twitching allows healthcare providers to intervene before more severe complications arise. Other indicators of lidocaine toxicity, such as seizures and cardiac complications, typically occur later in the toxicity spectrum and are associated with higher serum concentrations of the drug. Therefore, the presence of muscle twitching serves as an important sign for healthcare providers to be vigilant about the potential for developing serious toxic effects.