Question

Which are expected findings in a patient experiencing a cholinergic crisis? Select all that apply.

A) Hypertension
B) Bradycardia
C) Increased salivation
D) Miosis

Answer 1

In a cholinergic crisis, a patient is expected to exhibit bradycardia, increased salivation, and miosis, which are all consistent with the overstimulation of the cholinergic system that occurs during such a crisis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected findings in a patient experiencing a cholinergic crisis include several signs and symptoms directly related to the overstimulation of the cholinergic system due to excess acetylcholine. Among the choices provided:

• Bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) is expected because acetylcholine acts on the muscarinic receptors in the heart to decrease the heart rate.
• Increased salivation is also a typical sign of a cholinergic crisis since acetylcholine promotes secretions, including salivary.
• Miosis (pinpoint pupils) is a classic sign due to the parasympathomimetic effect on the pupils.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, however, would not typically be observed in a cholinergic crisis since acetylcholine tends to have a vasodilation effect, which would normally lead to lowered blood pressure.