62. A child receives a dose of atropine. A nurse should anticipate that the expected effect of the medication would require that the nurse monitor the child's:
Select all that apply.
62. A child receives a dose of atropine. A nurse should anticipate that the expected effect of the medication would require that the nurse monitor the child's:
Select all that apply.
Test-Taking Tip
Note the use of the words "expected effect" in the question, and answer accordingly.
Content Area: Child Health, Cardiovascular; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Evaluation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Expected Effects/Outcomes
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Answer 1 is correct because atropine is an anticholinergic medication. It blocks vagal impulses to the myocardium and stimulates the cardioinhibitory center in the medulla, thereby increasing heart rate and cardiac output while decreasing blood pressure as small blood vessels are dilated. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child's heart rate and blood pressure. Answer 2 is correct because atropine can induce mental confusion/excitement, especially in children, so the nurse should also monitor the child's behavior. Answer 3 is correct because atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks vagal impulses to the myocardium and stimulates the cardioinhibitory center in the medulla, thereby increasing heart rate and cardiac output while decreasing blood pressure as small blood vessels are dilated. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child's heart rate and blood pressure. Answer 4 is correct because atropine can cause hyperpyrexia (elevated temperature), so the nurse should also monitor the child's temperature. Answer 5 is incorrect because cardiac effects are primarily associated with administration of atropine.
