A patient is to receive atropine before surgery. The nurse teaches the patient to expect

• A. Dizziness
• B. Weakness
• C. Dry mouth
• D. Forgetfulness

Answer: (C)

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks muscarinic receptors, which reduces secretions produced by glands. In the mouth, this means less saliva is made, so dryness of the mouth is an expected, normal effect when given before surgery. This reduction in oral secretions helps decrease the risk of aspiration and vagal-induced bradycardia during anesthesia. Dizziness, weakness, or forgetfulness are not the typical focused expectations for this preoperative teaching, although anticholinergic effects can include a range of symptoms in different people. The key idea is that a dry mouth is the anticipated effect patients are taught to expect.