Thirty minutes ago, the client received atropine and morphine sulfate parenterally as a preoperative medication. The client asks the nurse why he has developed such a dry mouth. The nurse's best response is:

Question

a. "I'll call the health care provider. You may be having a reaction to the medication."
b. "Dry mouth is an expected side effect of the preoperative medication."
c. "You've been n.p.o. all night so your mouth will be dry."
d. "Have you ever experienced this problem before?"

Answer 1

ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect: This is an expected response to an anticholinergic agent.
B Correct: This is the appropriate response as this is an expected response because atropine is an anticholinergic that suppresses salivation to decrease the risk of aspiration during anesthesia induction and surgery.
C Incorrect: This is not the primary reason the client is experiencing a dry mouth.
D Incorrect: This is not a problem but an expected reaction to an anticholinergic agent.