During infusion of a monoclonal antibody with infusion-reaction risk, which monitoring is essential?

• A. Continuous monitoring during the infusion.
• B. No monitoring is needed if premedication is given.
• C. Monitoring only after infusion ends.
• D. Monitoring is optional.

Answer: (A)

Continuous monitoring during the infusion is essential because infusion reactions can occur at any time, even with premedication. By watching vital signs and the patient’s symptoms continuously, you can detect early signs such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, or oxygen saturation, and intervene immediately. This allows you to pause or stop the infusion, assess the airway and breathing, and initiate treatment promptly if a reaction begins. Premedication can reduce the chance of a reaction but does not eliminate risk, so ongoing monitoring during the infusion remains a critical safety measure. Monitoring after the infusion ends is not sufficient, since reactions can start during infusion or shortly after. Optional monitoring is not appropriate in a high-risk infusion, given the potential for rapid deterioration.