An older adult patient is to receive atenolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Prior to administration of the drug, the nurse assesses an apical pulse rate of 58 and notes ankle edema. Which action will the nurse take first?
a. Determine the therapeutic blood level.
b. Encourage the patient to decrease water intake.
c. Elevate the patient's legs.
d. Withhold the medication.
ANS: D
These signs and symptoms are indicative of serious adverse effects, and the medication should be held or discontinued until the patient is evaluated by a health care provider. Determining the therapeutic blood level, encouraging the patient to decrease water intake, and elevating the patient's legs are not the first actions that should be taken.
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