When caring for a patient with low blood pressure, which medication should the nurse question before administration?

Atenolol is a beta-blocker that is commonly used to manage hypertension and certain heart conditions. In patients experiencing low blood pressure, the administration of atenolol can exacerbate the problem because this class of medication typically reduces heart rate and cardiac output. This can further lower blood pressure, leading to complications such as dizziness, fainting, or even shock in severely affected patients.

When managing low blood pressure, it's crucial to avoid medications that may further decrease vascular resistance or heart function. Therefore, the nurse should question the administration of atenolol in this scenario to ensure patient safety and adequate blood pressure management. Other medications such as spironolactone, albuterol, and dexamethasone have different mechanisms of action that are either neutral or supportive regarding blood pressure, making atenolol the most concerning option in this context.