A nurse teaches a client taking nadolol (Corgard) for angina about the medication's action and side effects. The nurse should evaluate that the teaching is effective if the client states that which manifestation is a side effect?

A nurse teaches a client taking nadolol (Corgard) for angina about the medication's action and side effects. The nurse should evaluate that the teaching is effective if the client states that which manifestation is a side effect?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Migraine headache
• C. Tremors
• D. Urinary retention

Answer: (A)

Nadolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker, so it lowers blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and cardiac contractility. Hypotension is a common, expected side effect of this drug. If the client reports feeling lightheaded or dizzy from low blood pressure, that shows they understand the medication’s side effects. Migraine headaches are often helped by beta-blockers rather than caused; tremors are typically reduced by these drugs; urinary retention is not a typical effect—so those would not indicate the expected side effect.

Nadolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker, so it lowers blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and cardiac contractility. Hypotension is a common, expected side effect of this drug. If the client reports feeling lightheaded or dizzy from low blood pressure, that shows they understand the medication’s side effects. Migraine headaches are often helped by beta-blockers rather than caused; tremors are typically reduced by these drugs; urinary retention is not a typical effect—so those would not indicate the expected side effect.