MEDizzy - A client is being treated with procainamide for a cardiac

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A client is being treated with procainamide for a cardiac dysrhythmia. Following intravenous administration of the medication, the client complains of dizziness. What intervention should the nurse take first?

ExplanationSigns of toxicity from procainamide include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, decreased urination, nausea, vomiting, and tachydysrhythmias. If the client complains of dizziness, the nurse should assess the vital signs first. Although measuring the QRS duration on the rhythm strip and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram may be interventions, these would be done after the vital signs are taken. Dizziness directly following the procainamide indicates that the medication was the likely cause and should be addressed before assessing for other possible causes such as hypoglycemia.