What should a nurse monitor for when a patient is taking oral albuterol?

When a patient is taking oral albuterol, monitoring for tachycardia is particularly important. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist primarily used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma and bronchospasm. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and airway dilation. However, it can also activate beta-1 receptors in the heart to some extent, which may increase heart rate.

Tachycardia, or an elevated heart rate, is a common side effect associated with albuterol use. It signifies the medication's systemic effects and indicates that the dose may need to be adjusted or that the patient needs to be monitored closely for cardiovascular complications, especially in those with pre-existing heart conditions or when using higher doses of the medication.

In contrast to tachycardia, the other options are less directly associated with albuterol. While hyperglycemia can occur due to the drug's impact on glucose metabolism, it is not the primary concern in monitoring. Hypotension is generally not a concern with albuterol, as the drug tends to stimulate heart rate rather than decrease blood pressure. Drowsiness is also not typically connected with albuterol use; it is