What vital signs should be monitored if a patient’s chest pain improves after nitroglycerin?

Monitoring vital signs for 10 minutes after a patient's chest pain improves following the administration of nitroglycerin is crucial for several reasons. Nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates blood vessels, which can lead to changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These changes can be significant, as they provide important information about the patient's response to the medication.

By monitoring vital signs, particularly blood pressure and heart rate, first responders can assess the efficacy of the nitroglycerin in alleviating the patient's chest pain and ensure there are no adverse effects or complications arising from its use. For example, a drop in blood pressure could indicate potential hypotension, which would require immediate intervention.

Monitoring for 10 minutes allows healthcare professionals to observe trends in the patient's vital signs, rather than just a single measurement at a specific time. This ongoing assessment is key to providing safe and effective patient care in emergency situations.