Atenolol is a/an :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Atenolol is classified as a beta-adrenergic blocker (beta-blocker), a primary class of antihypertensive drugs.
It works as a cardioselective beta-1 blocker, primarily targeting receptors in the heart to lower blood pressure.
This action reduces heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output, which are the key mechanisms for its antihypertensive effect.
It is widely used in the management of hypertension, angina pectoris, and following a myocardial infarction to improve survival.

Option A: Antidiabetic drugs are used to manage blood glucose levels. Atenolol's primary function is to lower blood pressure, not blood sugar.
Option C: Diuretics lower blood pressure by increasing the excretion of sodium and water from the kidneys. Atenolol works by blocking beta-receptors in the heart.
Option D: Anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots. Atenolol does not have any effect on the blood's clotting cascade.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological classification and primary use of Atenolol as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must check the patient's heart rate and blood pressure before administering Atenolol. The dose is typically held if the heart rate is below 60 bpm or if the patient is significantly hypotensive.
Patient education is critical, focusing on not stopping the medication abruptly due to the risk of rebound hypertension and tachycardia, which is a black box warning for this drug class.
Nurses should monitor for adverse effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, and dizziness. It's also important to know that beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (like tachycardia) in diabetic patients.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from pharmacology.
First, identify the drug name in the question stem: 'Atenolol'.
Recall or deduce the drug's classification. The '-olol' suffix is a common mnemonic for beta-blockers.
Consider the primary therapeutic use of beta-blockers, which is the management of cardiovascular conditions like hypertension.
Evaluate the given options based on this classification. 'Antihypertensive drug' directly aligns with the primary function of a beta-blocker.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their distinct mechanisms: antidiabetics for blood sugar, diuretics for fluid excretion, and anticoagulants for blood clotting.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QwEXetUc0bTow4eSJwJORQ

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 58-60, 94-96

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 103-105

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.