During transport, what should be monitored to assess the patient's respiratory status?

Monitoring respiratory effort and oxygen saturation is crucial during transport to assess a patient's respiratory status effectively. This involves observing the work of breathing, including the use of accessory muscles, retractions, and overall respiratory rate. Any changes in these parameters can indicate respiratory distress or compromise.

Additionally, oxygen saturation levels provide direct insight into the patient's oxygenation status, helping to determine if the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. Maintaining optimal oxygen saturation is critical, particularly in neonatal and pediatric patients who may be at risk for rapid desaturation.

Heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, while important vital signs to monitor, are not direct indicators of respiratory status. These measurements can provide valuable information about overall cardiovascular stability and the body's response to stress, but they do not specifically assess how well the patient is breathing or how well oxygen is being delivered to the tissues. Therefore, focusing on respiratory effort and oxygen saturation is essential in ensuring that the patient's respiratory needs are met during transport.