[Answered]: A patient questions the use of lidocaine mixed…

A patient questions the use of lidocaine mixed with epinephrine for repair of a laceration, stating, “I thought that was the drug they use in the emergency room for patients who are coding.” Which is the nurse’s best response? “Epinephrine is used with lidocaine to prevent side effects.” “The systemic absorption of lidocaine is maximized by the epinephrine, and the anesthetic effect is reached more quickly.” “Vasoconstriction caused by epinephrine enhances the duration of action for lidocaine and minimizes bleeding at the laceration site.” Epinephrine is metabolized more quickly than lidocaine so that the anesthetic effect wears off more quickly once the laceration is sutured.”