A client in the emergency department states he just used cocaine. What vital sign should the nurse monitor closely?

A client in the emergency department states he just used cocaine. What vital sign should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hyperthermia
• C. Hypotension
• D. Bradypnea

Answer: (A)

When a client reports the recent use of cocaine, monitoring for tachycardia is crucial due to the stimulant nature of cocaine. Cocaine, as a central nervous system stimulant, increases levels of norepinephrine in the body, which can lead to an elevated heart rate. This increased heart rate can pose a significant risk for cardiac complications, including arrhythmias or myocardial infarction, given that cocaine use can cause vasoconstriction and increased myocardial oxygen demand. While hyperthermia, hypotension, and bradypnea may also occur with drug use, they are not as direct and immediate concerns as tachycardia in the context of cocaine use. Hyperthermia can develop with vigorous activity or prolonged cocaine use, but tachycardia is typically the most acute and common vital sign alteration seen following cocaine ingestion. Similarly, hypotension and bradypnea are not characteristic physiological responses to recent cocaine use. Therefore, vigilant observation of heart rate is essential in managing this client effectively.

When a client reports the recent use of cocaine, monitoring for tachycardia is crucial due to the stimulant nature of cocaine. Cocaine, as a central nervous system stimulant, increases levels of norepinephrine in the body, which can lead to an elevated heart rate. This increased heart rate can pose a significant risk for cardiac complications, including arrhythmias or myocardial infarction, given that cocaine use can cause vasoconstriction and increased myocardial oxygen demand.

While hyperthermia, hypotension, and bradypnea may also occur with drug use, they are not as direct and immediate concerns as tachycardia in the context of cocaine use. Hyperthermia can develop with vigorous activity or prolonged cocaine use, but tachycardia is typically the most acute and common vital sign alteration seen following cocaine ingestion. Similarly, hypotension and bradypnea are not characteristic physiological responses to recent cocaine use. Therefore, vigilant observation of heart rate is essential in managing this client effectively.