In monitoring patients on amphotericin B, which vital signs should be closely monitored?

• A. Lung auscultation only
• B. Serial ECGs
• C. Blood glucose levels only
• D. Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that amphotericin B can trigger systemic reactions and affect hemodynamic stability, so watching vital signs that reflect these changes is essential. Infusion-related fever, chills, and rigors are common, and the drug can cause drops in blood pressure or fluctuations in heart rate during administration. Tracking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature provides real-time insight into these events and helps identify early signs of adverse effects, including hemodynamic instability and the onset of fever. While other monitoring methods (like listening to the lungs, checking glucose, or doing serial ECGs) can be useful in certain situations, they don’t capture the broad cardiovascular and febrile responses that are most characteristic of amphotericin B therapy. Therefore, closely monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and temperature best ensures timely detection and management of potential adverse effects.