What should you monitor in a patient experiencing an allergic reaction?

In the context of managing a patient experiencing an allergic reaction, monitoring the airway and breathing is crucial due to the potential for airway compromise. Allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening condition where the airway can swell, resulting in difficulty breathing. Symptoms may include swelling of the throat, wheezing, or stridor, which require immediate attention to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately.

It's important to assess the patient's airway for any signs of obstruction and to observe their breathing pattern, as adequate oxygenation is essential for survival. While skin reactions such as hives or rashes can occur and may be indicators of an allergic response, they do not typically pose an immediate threat to life compared to compromised airway function. Monitoring heart rate is also relevant, but it is secondary to ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is able to breathe properly in the face of a potential anaphylactic reaction.