Before administering methylergonovine, the nurse should assess for which condition?

Administering methylergonovine requires careful consideration of the patient's blood pressure due to its pharmacological effects. Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that stimulates uterine contractions. It can cause vasoconstriction and subsequently increase blood pressure, which can lead to hypertensive crises, especially in individuals who already have elevated blood pressure.

Assessing for hypertension is crucial prior to administration because if a patient has uncontrolled high blood pressure, the risks associated with administering methylergonovine could outweigh the benefits, particularly given its vasoconstrictive properties. Therefore, monitoring the patient for hypertension ensures that the nurse can prevent potential complications and provide safe medication administration.

While conditions like diabetes, hypotension, and cardiovascular disease may have implications for treatment, the direct concern with methylergonovine primarily centers around its effects on blood pressure, making hypertension the key consideration before administration.