When administering atenolol hydrochloride (Tenormin), what should the nurse do as a priority action?

When administering atenolol hydrochloride, a beta-blocker used primarily to manage hypertension and heart conditions, the priority action is to check the client's blood pressure. Atenolol works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which decreases heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial because atenolol can significantly lower blood pressure, potentially leading to hypotension. Ensuring that the blood pressure is within a safe range before administration helps minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Listening to lung sounds might be relevant in some contexts, particularly if the patient has a history of respiratory issues, but it is not the immediate priority when considering the pharmacological effects of atenolol. Checking recent electrolyte levels can be important in certain scenarios, like monitoring kidney function or heart rhythm, but it is not as directly related to the immediate effects of administering atenolol. Assessing for muscle weakness may be relevant in other contexts, such as in patients with neuromuscular disorders, but it is not a direct concern in the administration of atenolol itself. The primary focus should always be on monitoring the cardiovascular parameters that are most affected by this medication.