Atropine Medication Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a common indication for using atropine?

  • Treatment of severe bradycardia (correct)
  • Treatment of bacterial infections
  • Treatment of allergic reactions
  • Treatment of hypertension

What is the mechanism of action for atropine?

  • Inhibits the release of acetylcholine
  • Competitively inhibits cholinergic receptors (correct)
  • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Directly stimulates the heart muscle

Which of the following is NOT a potential adverse effect of atropine?

  • Hypotension
  • Increased gastrointestinal motility (correct)
  • Respiratory depression
  • Tachycardia

Which route of administration is preferred for severe bradycardia?

<p>Intravenous bolus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of atropine on the heart?

<p>Increases heart rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Atropine is often used as an antidote for what type of poisoning?

<p>Pesticide poisoning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible adverse effect of atropine that is related to its anticholinergic properties?

<p>Dry mouth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for administering atropine prior to surgery?

<p>To dry up respiratory tract secretions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum dosage of atropine that can be given in a single administration?

<p>3 mg (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would be considered a contraindication for atropine administration?

<p>Glaucoma (A), Myasthenia gravis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What instructions should be given to the client during atropine administration?

<p>Report any dizziness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for administering atropine rapidly?

<p>To prevent a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Atropine should be used with caution in clients with which of the following conditions?

<p>Hypertension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications can have additive effects when administered with atropine?

<p>Antihistamines (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason to avoid atropine administration in clients who have had a heart transplant?

<p>Atropine is ineffective due to loss of nerve supply to the sinus node (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of atropine?

<p>Blocking the release of acetylcholine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Atropine

An anticholinergic medication used for treating bradycardia and various other medical conditions.

Symptomatic Bradycardia

A condition where the heart beats slower than 60 beats per minute causing symptoms like confusion and fainting.

Therapeutic Uses of Atropine

Treats bradycardia, dries secretions before surgery, acts as an antidote for poison, and helps with bronchospasm.

Adverse Reactions of Atropine

Possible side effects include tachycardia, hallucinations, urinary retention, and dry mouth.

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Paradoxical Bradycardia

A rare response where atropine causes a slower heart rate instead of the expected increase.

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Interventions for Atropine

Monitor heart rate and prepare for alternative treatments if atropine fails.

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Administration Routes of Atropine

Can be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or via IV, with IV being preferred for severe conditions.

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Anticholinergic Effects

Effects that inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and dry secretions.

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Atropine Dosage

1 mg IV bolus, repeat every 3-5 min, up to 3 mg.

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Rapid Bolus Administration

Bolus must be given rapidly to avoid paradoxical heart rate slowing.

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Client Reporting Symptoms

Clients should report dizziness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing immediately.

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Atropine Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, glaucoma, obstructive disorders, myasthenia gravis, tachycardia.

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Atropine Precautions

Use with caution in COPD or heart disorders; can worsen conditions.

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Atropine Ineffectiveness

Atropine is ineffective in clients who had a heart transplant.

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Drug Interactions

Atropine has additive effects with anticholinergics, antihistamines, etc.

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Monitoring During Administration

Continuous monitoring of the client is required during atropine administration.

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Study Notes

Atropine Medication Information

  • Therapeutic Use: Treats symptomatic bradycardia (low heart rate); used prior to surgery to dry up respiratory secretions; antidote for pesticide or chemical warfare agent poisoning; treats bronchospasm; blocks acetylcholine receptors in the GI tract, lungs, and eyes.

  • Adverse Reactions: Tachycardia, paradoxical bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, atrial/ventricular fibrillation, spasms of the larynx; dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, decreased gastric motility, constipation, headache, drowsiness, sedation, respiratory depression, dizziness, disorientation, hallucinations.

  • Interventions: Monitor heart rate and rhythm (tachycardia and paradoxical bradycardia). Monitor for increased anticholinergic effects. Prepare to administer other medications (dopamine, epinephrine) or provide transcutaneous pacing, if atropine is ineffective.

  • Administration: Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, endotracheal, or intravenous (IV) injection. IV bolus is preferred for severe bradycardia. Dose: 1 mg IV bolus, repeatable every 3-5 minutes up to 3 mg; administer rapidly to prevent paradoxical slowing of the heart. Explain the medication and monitor continuously.

  • Client Instructions: Report dizziness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing immediately.

Contraindications

  • Life-threatening situations: Atropine is not contraindicated in life-threatening situations.
  • Hypersensitivity: Atropine is contraindicated in clients with known hypersensitivity.
  • Glaucoma: Contraindicated in clients with glaucoma.
  • Obstructive Disorders: Contraindicated in obstructive disorders of the bladder or Gl tract, or prostate.
  • Myasthenia Gravis: Contraindicated in clients with myasthenia gravis.
  • Tachycardia Due to Cardiac Insufficiency: Contraindicated in clients with tachycardia due to cardiac insufficiency.
  • Heart Transplant: Do not administer to clients who have had a heart transplant, as atropine is ineffective due to the loss of nerve supply to the sinus node.

Precautions

  • COPD and Heart Disorders: Use caution when administering atropine to clients with COPD, CAD, MI, heart failure, tachycardia, or hypertension, as it can increase heart rate and workload.

Interactions

  • Additive Effects: Atropine can have additive effects with other anticholinergics, antiparkinsonian drugs, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, meperidine, phenothiazines, procainamide, tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Digoxin: Atropine can increase digoxin levels.
  • Reversal Agent: Physostigmine is the reversal agent for atropine or anticholinergic toxicity.

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