Master Atropine with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Atropine does not have its own direct effect, but rather functions by blocking the effect of muscarinic activation. Activated muscarinic receptors generally are responsible for decreasing the heart rate, increasing secretion production, and contracting the smooth muscles. Atropine has the opposite effect of activated muscarinic receptors.

Atropine can be effective in treating bradycardia and is often used in the event of a cardiac arrest as it results in an increase in heart rate. Cardiac muscarinic receptors, when active, are responsible for decreasing the heart rate. By blocking this action, atropine increases the heart rate.

Atropine is indicated for patients with increased exocrine secretions, as it reduces secretion production of the sweat glands, salivary glands, bronchial glands, and acid-secreting cells of the stomach by blocking muscarinic effects.

Atropine relaxes the bronchi, decreases motility of the gastrointestinal tract, and decreases the tone of the urinary bladder. This occurs as a result of inactivation of the muscarinic receptors.

Atropine blocks that activation of muscarinic receptors which reduces the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart; therefore, the heart rate can continue to increase without the nervous system being able to regulate the heart rate. This can result in tachycardia.

Atropine blocks the ability of the salivary glands to produce secretions which can result in dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. This can be a desirable side effect for preoperative patients in reducing oral secretions.

By blocking muscarinic actions, atropine decreases the tone of the urinary bladder resulting in hesitancy in voiding or urinary retention.