Atropine

Symptomatic Bradycardia

Drug name: Memory tricks Side Note

AtroPINE ATROPINE

Symptomatic bradycardia
ATROPINE

If drugs do not work to fix the problem, then we

Indication: have to put the patient on external pacing:
Given to speed up a slow heart rate with

Key word 1st 2ⁿd

Correct sequence:
1. Atropine
Symptomatic ATROPINE
2. External pacing

bradycardia

MOA:
Atropine acts to increase the heart rate by blocking the
action of the vagus nerve to block the PNS (parasympathetic
Signs: Symptomatic bradycardia nervous system) REST & DIGEST, and turns ON the SNS
?
? (fight & flight) in the heart like flicking a light switch.
Mental status changes
?
? ?
?
1. Confusion
2. Irritability
3. Agitation
SNS
ATROPINE

PNS
Parasympathetic nervous system

Key points
Atropine is effective when we see normal sinus
rhythm and reversal of the symptoms. They will
show you normal sinus rhythm like this & no
more hypoxic symptoms, like confusion, agitation,
hypotension or syncope.
Common NCLEX Question
Atropine for a client with a heart rate of 38,
bp of 88/65, reports confusion and dizziness.
Which ECG strip would show medication
effectiveness?

1. 60-100
Normal Sinus rhythm R peak x 10
and reversal of the symptoms 2.
8 x 10 = 80

3.

ATROPINE

4. CORRECT