A nurse is preparing to administer amlodipine to a client. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse assess before administration?

A. Temperature: Amlodipine does not affect or depend on body temperature for safety or effectiveness. Monitoring temperature is important for infection detection but not relevant prior to administering this antihypertensive. B. Blood pressure: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Assessing blood pressure prior to administration helps prevent hypotension, which is a common adverse effect of this medication. C. Oxygen saturation: While important in respiratory or cardiac conditions, oxygen saturation is not directly impacted by amlodipine. It is not necessary to check this parameter specifically before giving the drug unless clinically indicated. D. Respiratory rate: Respiratory rate is not typically affected by amlodipine. Though all vital signs are important, checking blood pressure is the most critical assessment before administering this antihypertensive medication.