Shortly after local anesthetic (with epinephrine) administration, a patient develops transient tachycardia but maintains a normal blood pressure. The most appropriate action is:

Correct answer: C. Monitor the patient; treat only if the tachycardia worsens or symptoms develop

• A. A beta-blocker is not indicated for a brief, self-limiting epinephrine response in a stable patient.
• B. Nitroglycerin is for angina/chest pain and could drop the BP; not indicated here.
• C. Correct. Transient tachycardia from absorbed epinephrine is usually brief and self-limiting. With normal BP and no symptoms, monitor and reassure; intervene only if it worsens.
• D. BP is normal — lowering it is not indicated and could be harmful.