In the event of a cholinergic crisis, which medication should a nurse have readily available for a client taking pyridostigmine?

In the context of a cholinergic crisis, the correct medication to have readily available is atropine sulfate. A cholinergic crisis occurs when there is an overstimulation of the cholinergic system, often due to excessive acetylcholine activity resulting from the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Pyridostigmine is utilized to treat myasthenia gravis by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, thereby increasing acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junction. However, if administered in excess or in a sensitive individual, it can lead to a cholinergic crisis characterized by symptoms such as muscle weakness, excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and respiratory failure due to bronchoconstriction and increased secretions.

Atropine sulfate acts as an anticholinergic agent, effectively countering the effects of excess acetylcholine. It works by blocking the muscarinic receptors, which alleviates the symptoms associated with cholinergic overstimulation. This makes it crucial for a nurse to have atropine readily accessible for immediate intervention during a cholinergic crisis.

Other medications listed, like pyridostigmine and neostigmine, are cholinester