What should be monitored after administering Ketamine due to potential adverse effects?

Monitoring emergent hallucinations after administering Ketamine is crucial due to the psychological effects the medication can induce. Ketamine, while effective as a sedative and analgesic, is known for its potential side effects that can include vivid dreams, hallucinations, and changes in perception. These phenomena can occur as the medication affects neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly at NMDA receptors.

Monitoring for these emergent hallucinations is vital because they can cause significant distress to the patient. Early identification and management of this effect can help mitigate anxiety or discomfort. Patients might require reassurance, and in some cases, benzodiazepines may be administered to help alleviate these symptoms if they become problematic.

While blood pressure, respiratory rate, and extraneous movements are also important parameters to monitor post-administration due to their connection to safety and overall sedation effectiveness, the specific risk of psychological effects, such as hallucinations, is a unique concern with Ketamine that necessitates careful attention.