The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. The patient received a hypnotic medication the night prior and the nurse is administering midazolam (Versed) and atropine. The patient asks why all of these medications are necessary. The nurse will tell the patient that they are given for which reason?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of sedative and anticholinergic medications, like midazolam and atropine, are given prior to surgery to decrease the amount of general anesthesia required to achieve the desired level of sedation and to minimize the potential for adverse events such as respiratory depression. This can result in faster recovery times and a reduction in postoperative drowsiness.

The Nurse Is Preparing a Patient for Surgery