Monitoring Vital Signs in AMI

A 45-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While waiting for the healthcare provider, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the patient's vital signs, particularly the __________. Maintaining adequate blood supply to the heart is critical in this scenario, and abnormal findings could indicate deterioration of the patient’s condition.