Which symptom is a potential result of anticholinergic medication?

Which symptom is a potential result of anticholinergic medication?

• A. Pupillary Dilation
• B. Excess Salivation
• C. Urinary Incontinence
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (A)

Anticholinergic medications block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, reducing parasympathetic activity. This shifting of balance often shows up as pupil dilation because the parasympathetic input that normally constricts the pupil is inhibited, leaving the iris dilator muscle unopposed and the pupil enlarged. So pupil dilation fits as a potential effect of anticholinergic use. In contrast, excess salivation wouldn’t occur because these drugs dry secretions. Urinary incontinence is unlikely since anticholinergics can cause urinary retention by relaxing the bladder. Bradycardia is also unlikely; these meds tend to raise heart rate by reducing vagal influence.

Anticholinergic medications block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, reducing parasympathetic activity. This shifting of balance often shows up as pupil dilation because the parasympathetic input that normally constricts the pupil is inhibited, leaving the iris dilator muscle unopposed and the pupil enlarged.

So pupil dilation fits as a potential effect of anticholinergic use. In contrast, excess salivation wouldn’t occur because these drugs dry secretions. Urinary incontinence is unlikely since anticholinergics can cause urinary retention by relaxing the bladder. Bradycardia is also unlikely; these meds tend to raise heart rate by reducing vagal influence.