While administering bethanechol chloride, which sign of toxicity should the nurse monitor for?

Bethanechol chloride is a medication that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, primarily used to treat urinary retention. One of its effects is to decrease heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia. Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate that is slower than normal, typically below 60 beats per minute in adults, and can occur due to the drug’s cholinergic effects, which enhance vagal tone.

When monitoring a patient receiving bethanechol chloride, the nurse needs to be vigilant for signs of toxicity, which can include bradycardia. This condition can lead to inadequate blood flow to the body’s systems, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.

In contrast, dry skin and dry mouth are more indicative of anticholinergic effects, which oppose those of cholinergic drugs like bethanechol. Signs of dehydration are also not directly related to the action of this medication, as they typically suggest a lack of fluid, not a problem with the heart rate. Therefore, bradycardia is the key sign of toxicity that the nurse should monitor for when administering bethanechol chloride.