Vati Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Quiz Answers Elaborated further Correctly Fall 2022 (With Rationale)

A client with a digoxin level of 2.4 ng/ml has a heart rate of 39. The health care provider prescribes atropine sulfate. Which of the following best describes the intended action of atropine for this client? a. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions. b. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone. c. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. d. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. Atropine accelerates the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. It is given IVP at doses of 0.5mg to 1.0mg per dose; every 3 to 5 minutes; up to 2.0mg. Doses less than 0.5mg may cause a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate. When Atropine is given to a client with history of an MI it should be used with great caution; increasing the heart rate also increases myocardial oxygen consumption!