The nurse administers atenolol 50 mg PO bid to a client who has coronary artery disease. The nurse understands that the therapeutic effect of this medication for this client is to:

Choice A reason: Avoiding strenuous activity and standing up slowly is not a relevant response to the client's complaint of headache. These actions may help prevent or reduce orthostatic hypotension, which is another possible side effect of nitroglycerin, but not headache.

Choice B reason: Headache is expected and should subside with continued use is a correct and appropriate response to the client's complaint of headache. The nurse should explain that headache is a common and transient side effect of nitroglycerin, which is caused by the vasodilation effect of the drug. The nurse should also advise the client to take over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen, to relieve the headache.

Choice C reason: Reducing the dosage to help relieve this side effect is not a correct or appropriate response to the client's complaint of headache. The nurse should not suggest any changes in the prescribed dosage of nitroglycerin, as this may compromise the effectiveness of the drug and increase the risk of angina or myocardial infarction. The nurse should also remind the client to follow the instructions for applying and removing the Nitropatch.

Choice D reason: You will have this side effect as long as you are taking nitroglycerin is not a correct or appropriate response to the client's complaint of headache. The nurse should not discourage or alarm the client by implying that the headache is inevitable and permanent. The nurse should reassure the client that the headache will likely diminish over time as the body adapts to the drug.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.