The nurse is caring for a patient who will begin taking atenolol (Tenormin). What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient about taking this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atenolol can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Therefore, the patient should be advised to rise slowly from a chair or bed to prevent falls or fainting spells. The drug may be taken once daily or twice daily depending on the prescribed dosage, but this information alone is not specific to atenolol. Atenolol is not considered safe during pregnancy and NSAIDs may interact with the drug, leading to decreased effectiveness or increased side effects.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Will Begin