A preoperative patient receives atropine before induction of anesthesia. The nurse caring for this patient understands that this agent is used to prevent:
A) anxiety.
B) bradycardia.
C) dry mouth.
D) hypertension.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atropine, an anticholinergic drug, is used as an adjunct to anesthesia to counter the effects of vagal stimulation, which is caused by surgical manipulations that trigger parasympathetic reflexes, resulting in bradycardia. Atropine is not an anxiolytic. Atropine causes dry mouth and sometimes is used to minimize bronchial secretions when irritating inhalation anesthetics are used. It is not used as an antihypertensive agent.

A Preoperative Patient Receives Atropine Before Induction of Anesthesia