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Vagally mediated bradycardia — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyVagally mediated bradycardiaFRCA Primary

During peritoneal traction, a patient develops sinus bradycardia with hypotension. Which drug is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Atropine

Atropine treats vagally mediated bradycardia by muscarinic receptor antagonism. Prilocaine is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Ephedrine is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Mannitol is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Glycopyrronium is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA pharmacology, link the clinical effect to the receptor, distribution or elimination mechanism rather than memorising isolated facts.

Reference: Peck, Hill & Williams Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care; BNF; Primary FRCA textbooks