A patient with hypertension is prescribed a beta-blocker. What should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to decreased heart rate, reduced myocardial contractility, and lower cardiac output. They also suppress renin release, contributing to overall blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular workload decrease. Rationale: A. Serum potassium levels are more significantly affected by diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and potassium-sparing agents rather than beta-blockers. While minor shifts may occur, potassium monitoring is not the primary priority. B. Respiratory rate and oxygenation are primarily affected in patients with pulmonary disease or with non-selective beta-blockers in asthma/COPD. However, this is not the main routine monitoring parameter in all hypertensive patients on beta-blockers. C. Blood glucose levels may be affected because beta-blockers can mask hypoglycemia symptoms, especially in diabetic patients. However, this is secondary to cardiovascular monitoring in general hypertension management. D. Heart rate and blood pressure are the primary parameters affected by beta-blockers. Monitoring these ensures the medication is achieving therapeutic effect without causing bradycardia or hypotension, making it the most critical nursing priority.