What is an important medication consideration when administering albuterol?

When administering albuterol, it is crucial to watch for tremors and tachycardia. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors in the lungs, leading to relaxation of the airway smooth muscles and improved airflow. However, it can also stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors elsewhere in the body, which may result in side effects such as tremors due to skeletal muscle stimulation and tachycardia from increased heart rate.

These two effects are important to monitor because they can indicate that the medication may be having systemic effects, particularly if the patient is receiving high doses or is particularly sensitive to the medication. The presence of tremors could also affect the patient's comfort and ability to cooperate with treatment, while tachycardia might raise concerns about the cardiovascular status of a pediatric patient. Therefore, ongoing assessment of these manifestations is essential during albuterol therapy to ensure safety and optimize management.

While considerations such as fluid intake, allergic reactions, and liver function tests are important in the broader context of patient care, they are not the primary concerns associated with the administration of albuterol. Monitoring for tremors and tachycardia directly relates to the pharmacological action and potential side effects of the medication.