Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and is to start taking atenolol. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of this medication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Bradycardia. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by slowing the heart rate. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a common adverse effect of beta-blockers like atenolol. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Monitoring for bradycardia is important to prevent complications.
Constipation (choice A) is not a common side effect of atenolol. Cough (choice C) is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. Headache (choice D) is a nonspecific symptom and can be caused by various factors unrelated to atenolol.
Constipation (choice A) is not a common side effect of atenolol. Cough (choice C) is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. Headache (choice D) is a nonspecific symptom and can be caused by various factors unrelated to atenolol.