Atropine causes all except: March 2012
## **Core Concept**
Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. It is used for various purposes, including reducing salivation, bronchial secretions, and gastrointestinal motility. Atropine's effects are diverse due to its impact on different muscarinic receptors throughout the body.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Atropine causes mydriasis (pupil dilation), increases heart rate (tachycardia), decreases salivation and bronchial secretions, and reduces gastrointestinal motility. It also causes urinary retention due to relaxation of the detrusor muscle in the bladder. Among the given options, the one that does not align with atropine's effects needs to be identified based on its pharmacological action.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Atropine can cause mydriasis, which is a well-known effect due to its action on muscarinic receptors in the eye.
- **Option B:** Atropine leads to tachycardia, a classic effect of its action on the heart, particularly on the sinoatrial node.
- **Option C:** Atropine decreases salivation, which is a result of its anticholinergic effect on the salivary glands.
- **Option D:** Atropine causes urinary retention, not frequency, due to its effect on the bladder.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical point to remember is that atropine can cause significant side effects, especially in the elderly, such as confusion, delirium, and urinary retention. Additionally, it's crucial to recall that atropine is used in ophthalmology to induce mydriasis for examinations.
## **Correct Answer:** . Decreased salivation and mydriasis are correct effects, and so is tachycardia; urinary frequency would be incorrect as atropine causes urinary retention. Therefore, given that **D. Urinary frequency** does not match the known effects of atropine (which causes urinary retention), it stands out.
**Correct Answer: D. Urinary frequency**