After administer­ing methylergonovine, which parameter should be monitored closely due to potential adverse effects?

After administer­ing methylergonovine, which parameter should be monitored closely due to potential adverse effects?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Temperature
• D. Respiratory rate

Answer: (B)

Methylergonovine is a potent uterotonic that also causes systemic vasoconstriction. Because of this vasoconstrictive effect, the most important parameter to monitor is blood pressure. A significant rise in blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as headache, chest pain, stroke, or other cardiovascular events. Check blood pressure before administration and continue to monitor closely during the infusion, ready to hold the drug or treat hypertension per protocol if readings become elevated. This drug is avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or preeclampsia with severe features due to the risk of worsening vasospasm. Deep tendon reflexes, temperature, and respiratory rate are not primary concerns with methylergonovine, making blood pressure the key parameter to watch.

Methylergonovine is a potent uterotonic that also causes systemic vasoconstriction. Because of this vasoconstrictive effect, the most important parameter to monitor is blood pressure. A significant rise in blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as headache, chest pain, stroke, or other cardiovascular events. Check blood pressure before administration and continue to monitor closely during the infusion, ready to hold the drug or treat hypertension per protocol if readings become elevated. This drug is avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or preeclampsia with severe features due to the risk of worsening vasospasm.

Deep tendon reflexes, temperature, and respiratory rate are not primary concerns with methylergonovine, making blood pressure the key parameter to watch.