Which vital signs should be monitored during continuous nebulization of beta-agonists?

Monitoring heart rate and respiratory status during continuous nebulization of beta-agonists is crucial due to the pharmacological effects of these medications. Beta-agonists, such as albuterol, work by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to bronchodilation. However, they can also cause side effects, particularly on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

An increase in heart rate, or tachycardia, is a common and expected side effect, which occurs as a result of beta-1 receptor stimulation in the heart. Continuous monitoring helps in detecting any excessive increases that could lead to complications. Additionally, observing the respiratory status allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of the treatment. Improvement in wheezing, breath sounds, and respiratory effort can indicate responsiveness to the nebulized medication, making this monitoring vital for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

While other vital signs such as oxygen saturation and blood pressure are important in the overall assessment, the immediate monitoring of heart rate and respiratory status provides vital information on the patient's response to the beta-agonist therapy.