A patient with frequent tension headaches asks the nurse about over-the-counter remedies. The nurse knows that Excedrin combines which of the following active ingredients to address pain, inflammation, and increased vascular tone associated with headaches?

The correct answer is: a. Right route, c. Right dose, d. Right person, e. Right documentation, f. Right medication.

Choice A: Right route

The right route ensures that the medication is administered via the correct method, such as oral, intravenous, or intramuscular. This is crucial because different routes can affect the medication’s absorption and effectiveness. Administering medication via the wrong route can lead to ineffective treatment or even harm the patient.

Choice B: Right to refuse

While patients do have the right to refuse medication, this is not one of the five main rights of medication administration. The five main rights focus on the correct administration process to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

Choice C: Right dose

The right dose ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of medication. Administering too much or too little can lead to adverse effects or ineffective treatment. This right involves verifying the prescribed dose and measuring it accurately.

Choice D: Right person

The right person ensures that the medication is given to the correct patient. This is typically verified using two identifyers, such as the patient’s name and date of birth, to prevent medication errors.

Choice E: Right documentation

The right documentation involves accurately recording the administration of the medication. This includes noting the time, dose, route, and any observations. Proper documentation is essential for maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring continuity of care.

Choice F: Right medication

The right medication ensures that the correct drug is given to the patient. This involves checking the medication label against the doctor’s order to prevent errors. Administering the wrong medication can have serious consequences.

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.