Final answer:
Priority for monitoring adverse effects of epinephrine in a patient includes heart rate, blood pressure, and signs of respiratory distress, as epinephrine can cause significant cardiovascular and respiratory effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse in the cardiac care unit is caring for a patient receiving epinephrine. The assessment criterion that takes priority in the monitoring for adverse effects of this drug is the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure. Since epinephrine can cause significant cardiovascular effects including increased heart rate (tachycardia) and elevated blood pressure (hypertension) these vital signs must be monitored closely.
Additionally the nurse should observe for signs of respiratory distress due to epinephrine's ability to relax smooth muscles in the lungs, which might affect breathing. Observing these parameters helps in the early detection of potential adverse reactions and in the management of any complications that may arise.