What vital sign must be monitored closely in burn patients during resuscitation?

Monitoring blood pressure closely in burn patients during resuscitation is crucial due to the potential for significant fluid loss and hypovolemia that can occur as a result of burns. Burn injuries can lead to fluid shifts and increased capillary permeability, causing a drop in circulating blood volume. This drop can make it challenging for the body to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs.

Maintaining blood pressure is essential not only for ensuring proper blood flow but also for guiding the resuscitation efforts. If the blood pressure is too low, it indicates that the patient may require aggressive fluid resuscitation to restore circulatory volume. Conversely, monitoring blood pressure helps to prevent over-resuscitation, which can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema.

While pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature are important vital signs to monitor as well, blood pressure plays a critical role during the resuscitation phase because it directly reflects the effectiveness of fluid therapy and the patient's hemodynamic status. Thus, close monitoring of blood pressure is essential in managing burn patients effectively during resuscitation.