The nurse has just administered a dose of 0.5 mg atropine to a client with a heart rate of 48/min and blood pressure of 90/62 mmHg. Which rhythm strip would indicate that the medication achieved the desired outcome?

Question

The nurse has just administered a dose of 0.5 mg atropine to a client with a heart rate of 48/min and blood pressure of 90/62 mmHg.  Which rhythm strip would indicate that the medication achieved the desired outcome?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c92d_1c7a_b433_ffc7f4dc918e_MD0009_00 Atropine is given to the client experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. In symptomatic bradycardia, the heart rate is <60/min and is inadequate for the client's condition, causing symptoms such as hypotension, chest pain, or syncope. Atropine acts to increase the heart rate by inhibiting the action of the vagus nerve (parasympatholytic effect). A normal sinus rhythm and reversal of clinical symptoms indicate that the medication has had the desired effect. (Option A) A continuation of sinus bradycardia would not indicate that the atropine had been effective. (Option C) Sinus tachycardia would be an undesirable effect of atropine as the heart rate would be >100/min. (Option D) The client with first-degree atrioventricular block may have a normal heart rate, but the atrioventricular conduction time is prolonged. Educational objective: Atropine is given to the client with symptomatic bradycardia. The desired outcome would be an increase in heart rate, evidence of normal sinus rhythm on the cardiac monitor, and reversal of any clinical symptoms associated with the bradycardia.

The Nurse Has Just Administered a Dose of 0