What vital signs are important to monitor in a pregnant patient?

Monitoring vital signs in a pregnant patient is essential to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are critical indicators of the patient's cardiovascular status and overall health during pregnancy.

Blood pressure is particularly important because it can indicate conditions such as preeclampsia, which can have serious implications for both the mother and the fetus. An elevated heart rate may suggest potential complications or stress, while respiratory rate helps assess the patient’s respiratory function, especially as pregnancy can influence lung capacity and oxygenation.

Together, these vital signs provide a comprehensive overview of the patient’s physiological status and help in early detection of potential complications that may arise during pregnancy. Other options do not focus on the integral signs that specifically relate to the immediate health status of a pregnant patient or lack relevance in acute care settings.