Instructed in new medication Atenolol to manage hypertension. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as fatigue, lethargy, vertigo, drowsiness, dizziness, fever, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, intermittent claudication, nausea, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, increased risk of developing type-two diabetes, dyspnea, bronchospasm, rash and leg pain. Instructed to take drug exactly as prescribed at the same time every day. Do not stop drug suddenly but do call prescriber if unpleasant adverse reactions occur. If pulse rate is below 60 beats/minute, stop taking drug and call prescriber. Women: notify prescriber if pregnancy occurs. Drug usage might be discontinued.
Instructed patient about how Atenolol blocks stimulation of receptors within vascular smooth muscle. It also decreases heart rate, decreases comsumption of oxygen by myocardium and it is used to treat hypertension, prophylaxis of angina pectoris, suspected or known myocardial infarction.
SN instructed patient to rise slowly from sitting/supine position, as Atenolol may cause orthostatic hypotension and to avoid sudden discontinuation of this drug, as this may cause rebound hypertension. Patient verbalized understanding of instructions given.