When transporting a restrained patient, vital signs must be reassessed how often?

When transporting a restrained patient, vital signs must be reassessed how often?

• A. Every 1 minute
• B. Every 15 minutes
• C. Every 5 minutes
• D. Every 10 minutes

Answer: (C)

Regular monitoring of a restrained patient during transport is crucial because movement and restraints can lead to rapid changes in airway, breathing, and circulation. The recommended interval is every 5 minutes. This cadence balances the need to detect deterioration early with the practical realities of transporting a patient, allowing timely checks of breathing, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (when available) along with mental status. If the patient becomes unstable or shows signs of decline—such as increased work of breathing, decreasing oxygen saturation, hypotension, or altered level of consciousness—increase the frequency of reassessment. More frequent checks are used for actively deteriorating patients, while less frequent checks could miss important changes.

Regular monitoring of a restrained patient during transport is crucial because movement and restraints can lead to rapid changes in airway, breathing, and circulation. The recommended interval is every 5 minutes. This cadence balances the need to detect deterioration early with the practical realities of transporting a patient, allowing timely checks of breathing, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (when available) along with mental status. If the patient becomes unstable or shows signs of decline—such as increased work of breathing, decreasing oxygen saturation, hypotension, or altered level of consciousness—increase the frequency of reassessment. More frequent checks are used for actively deteriorating patients, while less frequent checks could miss important changes.