A patient has received atropine before surgery and complains of dry mouth. Which action by the nurse is best?
a. Check for skin tenting.
b. Notify the health care provider.
c. Ask the patient about any dizziness.
d. Tell the patient dry mouth is an expected side effect.
ANS: D
Anticholinergic medications decrease oral secretions, so the patient is taught that a dry mouth is an expected side effect. The dry mouth is not a symptom of dehydration in this case. Therefore there is no immediate need to check for skin tenting. The health care provider does not need to be notified about an expected side effect. Weakness, forgetfulness, and dizziness are side effects associated with other preoperative medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
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