What should be monitored in patients on stimulants?

Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate in patients on stimulants is essential because these medications can lead to cardiovascular side effects. Stimulants, such as those used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can increase heart rate and blood pressure due to their stimulating effects on the central nervous system. Regular monitoring helps ensure the patient's cardiovascular health is not compromised while on the medication, allowing for timely adjustments to dosage or medication type if necessary.

The other options are relevant in some contexts but do not carry the same level of immediate concern as cardiovascular monitoring. While vision changes and hearing ability are considerations in overall patient assessment, they are not typically the primary focus when managing patients on stimulant medications. Weight gain may occur with some medications, but stimulants are more commonly associated with weight loss due to their appetite-suppressing effects. Therefore, the focus on blood pressure and heart rate is warranted to safeguard against potential hypertensive crises or arrhythmias.