What should you monitor continuously during the transport of a trauma patient?

Monitoring vital signs and the level of consciousness is crucial during the transport of a trauma patient for several reasons. Vital signs, which include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, provide essential information about the patient's physiological status and help detect any changes that may indicate deterioration. Continuous monitoring allows for timely interventions if any abnormalities arise.

The level of consciousness is also a critical parameter, as it reflects neurological function and can indicate the severity of head injuries or shock. Changes in consciousness may suggest increased intracranial pressure, hypoxia, or significant blood loss. By closely observing these two aspects, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the patient's treatment en route to the hospital, potentially improving outcomes.

While blood glucose levels, body temperature, and capillary refill time are significant assessments in their own right, they do not provide the same immediacy or comprehensive insight into a trauma patient's evolving condition as vital signs and consciousness do during transport.