Sacramento County EMS Protocols Practice Test

For adult symptomatic bradycardia, the standard dosing for Atropine is typically 0.5 mg administered intravenously or intraosseously. The rationale behind this dosing is that Atropine works by blocking the vagus nerve's effect on the heart, effectively increasing heart rate by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine on the parasympathetic nervous system.

Administering a dose of 0.5 mg is appropriate because it is effective for treating bradycardia, especially in acute settings where the patient is symptomatic. The protocol usually allows for repeated doses every 3-5 minutes, up to a maximum total dose of 3 mg. This titration allows for adjusting the treatment based on the patient's response, hence the dosing range aligns with clinical guidelines.

The specification of Atropine’s dosing emphasizes the importance of careful consideration in emergencies, ensuring efficacy while also being conscious of potentially excessive dosage. The ability to finely tune the dose helps protect against adverse effects and the risks associated with overmedication.