What vital signs should a nurse monitor in a patient receiving a beta-blocker?

Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate in a patient receiving a beta-blocker is essential because beta-blockers are designed to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. Assessing these vital signs helps ensure that the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect and allows for early detection of any potential side effects, such as bradycardia or hypotension, which can lead to serious complications if left unaddressed.

Body temperature and respiratory rate, pulse oximetry and blood glucose, or monitoring weight and urine output, while important in various clinical contexts, do not directly correlate with the primary actions and potential risks associated with beta-blocker therapy. Therefore, the focus on blood pressure and heart rate is particularly significant in understanding the impact of the medication on cardiovascular function.