A client diagnosed with angina pectoris appears to be very anxious and states, "So I had a heart attack, right?" Which response should the nurse make to the client?

Choice A reason: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. One of its effects is relaxation of the smooth muscles in the bladder, which can lead to urinary retention. This occurs because the bladder's ability to contract is inhibited, making it difficult for the patient to void.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not an expected effect of atropine. In fact, atropine is often used to treat bradycardia by increasing heart rate. It works by blocking the vagus nerve's influence on the heart, which normally acts to slow the heart rate. Therefore, atropine would be expected to cause an increase in heart rate, not a decrease.

Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a common effect of atropine. Atropine works by reducing the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a decrease in bowel movements and potentially causing constipation rather than diarrhea. Anticholinergic drugs like atropine reduce gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to a slower passage of food through the intestines.

Choice D reason: Vomiting is not typically associated with the administration of atropine. While nausea and vomiting can be side effects of many medications, atropine more commonly causes dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. The medication's action on the gastrointestinal tract tends to slow digestive processes rather than stimulate vomiting.

Choice A reason: A patient with a new-onset of confusion and restlessness is a priority because these symptoms could indicate a serious condition such as hypoxia, electrolyte imbalance, or a neurological event like a stroke. These changes in mental status need to be evaluated immediately to prevent further complications.

Choice B reason: Dizziness after receiving captopril (Capoten) can be a side effect of the medication due to its blood pressure-lowering effects. While it should be monitored, it is not as urgent as the new-onset confusion and restlessness seen in another patient.

Choice C reason: A patient requiring oxygen via nasal cannula with saturations of 97% is stable as the oxygen saturation is within normal limits. This patient does not need to be prioritized over others with more acute symptoms.

Choice D reason: A patient who has received digoxin and has a blood pressure of 100/56 should be monitored, especially for signs of digoxin toxicity. However, this situation is not as critical as the new-onset confusion and restlessness in another patient.