A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for atenolol. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor the client?

a. Heart rate 90/min: A heart rate of 90/min is within the normal range, and it is not an abnormal finding postoperatively.

b. Serum potassium 3.7 g/dL: The serum potassium level of 3.7 g/dL is within the normal range, and it is not an abnormal finding postoperatively.

c. Bowel sounds 10/min: Bowel sounds of 10/min are within the normal range and indicate return of bowel function postoperatively.

d. Urine output 48 m/2 hr: A urine output of 48 m/2 hr is less than the expected urine output (30 mL/hr), and it may indicate inadequate renal perfusion or function. This finding should be

reported to the provider.

Rationale for A: Taking enteric-coated pills with meals is generally acceptable as food does not affect the integrity of the enteric coating. The coating is designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestine.
Rationale for B: Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed as this destroys the coating designed to protect the stomach lining from the medication's potentially irritating effects, ensuring the medication is released in the intestine.
Rationale for C: This statement is correct; enteric-coated medications are formulated to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestine, which can help minimize gastric side effects and irritation.
Rationale for D: It is common for anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen to take several weeks to reach full efficacy. This statement reflects a correct understanding of the medication's expected onset of action.