Following the administration of a scheduled dose of 50-mg atenolol PO, the nurse should prioritize what assessment?

After administering a scheduled dose of atenolol, prioritizing the assessment of blood pressure is crucial due to the pharmacological effects of the medication. Atenolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic blocker, primarily used to manage hypertension and angina by reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and the overall oxygen demand of the heart.

Monitoring blood pressure after administration is essential because atenolol can lead to hypotension, especially in patients who are already on other antihypertensive medications or have conditions predisposing them to lower blood pressure. Assessing blood pressure helps ensure that the patient remains within a safe range and allows for timely interventions if the blood pressure drops significantly.

While oxygen saturation, level of consciousness, and oral temperature are also important assessments in a clinical setting, they are not as directly affected by atenolol's mechanism of action. Therefore, focusing on blood pressure enables the nurse to gauge the immediate impact of the medication on the cardiovascular system, ensuring patient safety and effective ongoing management of their condition.