Which vital sign changes indicate a potential adverse reaction to medication?

When evaluating potential adverse reactions to medication, vital sign changes often serve as critical indicators. In this case, an elevated heart rate combined with increased blood pressure signals that the body may be responding negatively to a medication. Such changes can point to several issues, including the possibility of anxiety, pain, or other stress responses, which may be triggered or exacerbated by a medication.

In many cases, medications can cause the cardiovascular system to react by increasing heart rate due to factors such as heightened adrenaline release, fluid overload, or increased metabolic demand. Similarly, an increase in blood pressure may suggest that the body is experiencing adverse effects, possibly related to fluid retention or increased vascular resistance. Together, these observations can serve as essential warning signs of a potentially serious reaction to a medication that requires further investigation or intervention.

The other choices do not reliably indicate adverse reactions. Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure might suggest a different set of complications, such as an overdose or adverse effect of certain medications, rather than being a typical reaction. Normal respiratory rate and stable temperature do not raise concerns for adverse medication effects. Increased appetite and decreased urination are not direct indicators of physiological stress or adverse reactions, making them less relevant for identifying medication-related complications.