What should be monitored when administering dexamethasone for meningitis?

When administering dexamethasone for meningitis, it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that can increase blood glucose levels due to its effects on glucose metabolism. In patients, especially those who may already be at risk for hyperglycemia, such as those with pre-existing diabetes or stress-induced hyperglycemia due to illness, these levels can rise significantly. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent complications associated with hyperglycemia.

Monitoring the patient's weight gain can be relevant in a broader context of corticosteroid treatment, but it is not as immediate or critical as monitoring blood glucose levels. While the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is a concern with many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and high-dose corticosteroids, it is less frequently associated with the short-term use of dexamethasone in this setting. Allergy symptoms would also be monitored, but adverse reactions to dexamethasone are not the primary concern compared to metabolic effects like blood glucose changes.