Which of the following might indicate the need for continuous monitoring in a patient with myocardial infarction?

Continuous monitoring in a patient with myocardial infarction is crucial because it allows for the immediate detection of any changes in the patient's condition that could indicate complications. Dysrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are a common and critical concern in this patient population. They can arise due to ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle) and may lead to severe complications such as cardiac arrest if not identified and managed promptly.

The presence of dysrhythmias can significantly alter a patient's hemodynamics, necessitating continuous monitoring to ensure swift intervention if the patient's condition deteriorates. Monitoring allows healthcare professionals to observe changes in the ECG and respond quickly to any acute cardiac events.

In contrast, while restfulness, normal temperature, and increased fluid tolerance are aspects that might reflect general health status, they do not necessarily indicate the immediate need for continuous cardiac monitoring in a patient with a myocardial infarction. Monitoring is primarily geared towards detecting signs of distress or instability, which dysrhythmias clearly represent.