What is an essential component of a nurse's assessment for patients on corticosteroids?

Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial for patients on corticosteroids because these medications can lead to fluid retention and hypertension as a common side effect. Corticosteroids can cause the body to retain sodium and water, which can elevate blood pressure. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy helps in detecting potential cardiovascular complications early, allowing for timely intervention.

While monitoring heart rate variability, gastrointestinal function, and respiratory function can be relevant in specific contexts, they are not as universally essential across all patients on corticosteroids as blood pressure monitoring. Corticosteroids primarily impact fluid balance and vascular function, making blood pressure an immediate focus in the assessment of these patients.