Question

What should the nurse do to protect a client who has just received intravenous atropine for bradycardia?

Answers:

A Watch the monitor closely

B Refrain from feeding the patient until passing flatus

C Keep the lights bright

D Obtain a order to catheterize the patient if needed

E Repeat the dose every twenty minutes to prevent a recurrent episode

Answer 1

Answer is A, D.

Option A - The nurse should monitor the patient closely for heart rate, blood pressurs and ECG changes, according to which the dosage can be changed.

Option B - It is not necessary to refrain from feeding the patient until passing flatus. But the nurse should check for gag reflex and if present, feed the patient small and frequent diet.

Option C - The lights should not be bright. It should be dimmed cause atropine causes reversible sensitivity of eyes.

Option D - Atropine may cause difficulty in urination or urinary retention. So if necessary catheterise the patient to monitor the urine output.

Option E - The dosage of atropine for bradycardia is 0.5 mg IV and repeated every 3 to 5 mins. Maximum dosage is 3 mg.