What should the nurse monitor closely in a patient receiving dopamine infusion?

In a patient receiving a dopamine infusion, monitoring urinary output is crucial because dopamine affects renal perfusion and can influence kidney function. Dopamine at low doses primarily acts as a vasodilator in the renal vasculature, increasing renal blood flow, which can enhance urine formation. When administering dopamine, it's essential to observe closely for changes in urinary output as it can indicate how well the kidneys are responding to the medication. A decrease in urinary output might suggest insufficient renal perfusion or worsening kidney function, which would require reassessment and possible intervention.

While heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are also important parameters to monitor during dopamine infusion due to the drug's cardiovascular effects, the focus on urinary output is specifically to assess renal function and perfusion, making it a key monitoring parameter for this situation.