Author Question: The physician has ordered atropine 0.5 mg IM for a client to be administered 30 minutes prior to ... (Read 97 times)

09madisonrousseau09 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The physician has ordered atropine 0.5 mg IM for a client to be administered 30 minutes prior to ECT. The rationale for use of this medication is that it reduces secretions and:

1. Protects against vagal bradycardia
2. Prevents incontinence of urine
3. Reduces the need for recovery room staff
4. Improves the scope of convulsive activity

Question 2

Which statement made by a client about a half hour before a scheduled ECT treatment would result in cancellation of the treatment?

1. I'll be so glad when this treatment is over.
2. Will I remember having this treatment?
3. I just had some crackers and milk, since I'll miss breakfast.
4. I'm so tired of being depressed.

reelove4eva · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 1
Atropine is used for its ability to prevent vagal bradycardia associated with the electrical stimu-lus. The other options are either irrelevant or untrue.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
Since the client is to receive general anesthesia and has orders to remain NPO, the nurse should notify the physician immediately. The introduction of food into the stomach could result in aspi-ration of stomach contents during treatment. The other options offer no contraindication to treatment.