In patients with a history of heart disease, beta 2 agonists should be used with caution and monitoring of what?

In patients with a history of heart disease, the use of beta-2 agonists requires careful monitoring of EKG. These medications can potentially stimulate the heart and lead to increased heart rate or arrhythmias, which are especially concerning in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions. Monitoring the EKG allows healthcare providers to detect any abnormal heart rhythms or changes in cardiac function that may arise as a side effect of the bronchodilator therapy. This vigilance is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and to manage any complications promptly.

While monitoring blood glucose levels is important in certain contexts, such as in diabetic patients receiving corticosteroids, it is not directly related to the use of beta-2 agonists in patients with heart disease. Similarly, while pulse oximetry is essential for assessing a patient's oxygenation status, it does not provide direct insight into cardiac rhythm or function. Lastly, peripheral circulation assessment is important but does not specifically pertain to the risks associated with beta-2 agonist therapy and heart disease, making EKG monitoring the most relevant choice in this scenario.