Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What is the role of Lidocaine in cardiac arrest management?

To reduce blood pressure
To increase heart rate
To stabilize cardiac membranes
To enhance blood flow

The correct answer is: To stabilize cardiac membranes

Lidocaine plays a critical role in cardiac arrest management by stabilizing cardiac membranes, particularly during episodes of ventricular arrhythmias. It is a class 1B antiarrhythmic medication that works by blocking sodium channels in the cardiac cell membranes, which helps to suppress abnormal electrical activity in the heart. During cardiac arrest, especially when there are conditions like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the administration of Lidocaine can help restore normal rhythm by preventing the propagation of abnormal impulses that lead to ineffective heart contractions. The stabilizing effect of Lidocaine on cardiac membranes is essential in the context of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols, where rapid correction of life-threatening arrhythmias is crucial. By mitigating the risk of reoccurrence of ventricular fibrillation after defibrillation attempts, Lidocaine contributes to overall resuscitation efforts and enhances the chance of restoring a perfusing rhythm. Understanding the mechanism of action of Lidocaine in this context clarifies its vital role in resuscitation and highlights the importance of pharmacological interventions in managing cardiac emergencies.