What should be monitored closely in a pediatric patient with respiratory failure during transport?

In a pediatric patient experiencing respiratory failure during transport, close monitoring of blood gases and ventilatory support needs is essential. Respiratory failure can lead to significant changes in a patient's oxygenation and carbon dioxide levels. Blood gas analysis provides crucial information about the adequacy of ventilation and oxygenation, which is vital for making necessary adjustments to ventilatory support. Monitoring these parameters helps ensure that the patient maintains sufficient oxygen levels and proper acid-base balance during transport.

While heart rate and skin temperature are important vital signs to assess overall patient condition, they do not specifically address the immediate concerns related to respiratory failure. Fluid intake and output, while important in managing overall health, are not as critical to the immediate management of respiratory failure compared to respiratory status. Lastly, physical activity level is not a relevant factor in this scenario, as the patient is likely to be in a critical condition requiring minimal physical activity. Overall, focusing on blood gases and ventilatory needs directly addresses the critical aspects of managing respiratory failure in pediatric patients during transport.