During a surgery, if a patient is stable yet shows signs of a pulmonary embolism, what should be monitored closely?

In the case of a patient undergoing surgery who is stable but exhibiting signs of a pulmonary embolism, closely monitoring blood pressure is critical. A pulmonary embolism can lead to significant hemodynamic changes, primarily due to decreased blood flow to the lungs and subsequent effects on the heart's ability to pump effectively. This can manifest as hypotension, which is a vital sign that can indicate worsening conditions.

Monitoring blood pressure allows for the timely identification of any deterioration in the patient's state, enabling prompt medical intervention if necessary. Changes in blood pressure can reflect the effectiveness of cardiac output and the degree to which the embolism is impacting the patient’s overall hemodynamics.

While respiration rate, cardiac rhythm, and blood glucose levels may also be important in managing a patient with a pulmonary embolism, blood pressure serves as a more immediate and direct indicator of cardiovascular stability in this scenario. Therefore, it is essential to keep vigilant for any signs of instability in blood pressure during surgery when there is concern for a pulmonary embolism.