A preoperative patient received an antimuscarinic drug (atropine).Which drug-related postoperative consequence is this patient likely to experience?

Question

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Atropine is an antimuscarinic drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, which are located in smooth muscles, glands, and the central nervous system. This leads to relaxation of smooth muscles, decreased glandular secretions, and increased heart rate. However, it also causes urinary retention by inhibiting the contraction of the detrusor muscle and stimulating the internal sphincter. Therefore, the patient is likely to experience difficult urination as a postoperative consequence of the drug.

A Preoperative Patient Received an Antimuscarinic Drug (Atropine)