When monitoring a client with a new pacemaker, what vital sign should the nurse prioritize?

In the context of monitoring a client with a new pacemaker, prioritizing heart rate is crucial because the primary function of a pacemaker is to maintain an appropriate heart rate in patients who may have bradycardia or other cardiac rhythm issues. After pacemaker insertion, the effectiveness of the device needs to be assessed by monitoring heart rate. An appropriate heart rate indicates that the pacemaker is functioning correctly and effectively stimulating the heart to beat at the programmed rate.

Monitoring heart rate also enables the nurse to quickly detect any potential complications related to the pacemaker, such as failure to capture or loss of pacing, which can lead to serious hemodynamic instability. Other vital signs, while important, do not provide as immediate and relevant information regarding the functioning of the pacemaker. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature can be influenced by various factors unrelated to the pacemaker's function, making heart rate the priority in this scenario.