Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When managing a burn patient, which vital sign should be monitored most closely to assess for shock?

1. Heart rate

2. Blood pressure

3. Respiratory rate

4. Temperature

The correct answer is: Blood pressure

Monitoring blood pressure is critical in assessing a burn patient for signs of shock. In cases of significant burns, the body can experience fluid loss due to damage to the skin and the underlying tissues, which can lead to a state of hypovolemic shock as the circulatory system loses blood volume. A drop in blood pressure indicates that the heart is struggling to maintain adequate perfusion to the organs, which is a key sign of shock. Therefore, it's essential to monitor blood pressure closely to detect any changes that might suggest the patient is developing shock. While heart rate is also an important vital sign in shock assessment, it can sometimes be less specific, as it may be influenced by pain, anxiety, or other factors unrelated to fluid status. Respiratory rate can provide additional insights, especially if the patient is in respiratory distress, but it does not directly indicate blood volume or perfusion status. Temperature is generally less relevant in the context of immediate shock assessment. Overall, blood pressure provides a direct assessment of the patient's circulatory and fluid status, making it the most important vital sign to monitor for signs of shock in a burn patient.