A nurse is reviewing medication for a patient with a recent myocardial infarction. The physician has prescribed aspirin. What is the primary purpose of this medication in this context?

Choice A reason: Vasodilation is not the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can cause vasodilation by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the blood vessels, which normally cause vasoconstriction. However, this effect is not significant or consistent, and it does not improve the symptoms of bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate that can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and the peripheral pulses of the patient after administering atropine.

Choice B reason: Bronchodilation is not the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can cause bronchodilation by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the bronchial smooth muscle, which normally cause bronchoconstriction. However, this effect is not relevant or beneficial for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia, who does not have any respiratory problems. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate and the breath sounds of the patient after administering atropine.

Choice C reason: Increase in heart rate is the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can increase the heart rate by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node, which normally slow down the heart rate. This effect is desirable and beneficial for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia, who has a slow heart rate that can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. The nurse should monitor the electrocardiogram and the heart rate of the patient after administering atropine.

Choice D reason: Diuresis is not the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can cause diuresis by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the bladder, which normally promote urination. However, this effect is not important or helpful for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia, who does not have any urinary problems. The nurse should measure the urine output and the specific gravity of the patient after administering atropine.

Choice A reason: This is correct. The kidneys are the main organs for excreting water-soluble substances, including most drugs and their metabolites. The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluid as urine. Drugs can be excreted by glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, or tubular reabsorption.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The pancreas is not involved in excretion of drugs. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin and glucagon.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The gallbladder is not involved in excretion of drugs. The gallbladder is an organ that stores and concentrates bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The liver is not primarily responsible for excretion of drugs, although it plays an important role in drug metabolism. The liver is an organ that performs many functions, such as detoxifying substances, synthesizing proteins, and producing bile. The liver can transform drugs into more polar and water-soluble compounds, which can then be excreted by the kidneys or the biliary system.