Which statement about continuous monitoring in ALS is true?

• A. Only blood pressure is monitored.
• B. Only oxygen saturation is monitored.
• C. Airway patency, vital signs, pulse oximetry, capnography, cardiac rhythm, level of consciousness, and ability to follow commands.
• D. Monitoring is optional in ALS.

Answer: (C)

Continuous monitoring in Advanced Life Support is about watching multiple indicators in real time to keep the patient safe and guide interventions. Airway patency is tracked to ensure the airway remains open and protected, so you can act quickly if there’s obstruction or the need for airway support arises. Vital signs provide ongoing insight into perfusion and stability, while pulse oximetry shows how well the blood is being oxygenated. Capnography adds a ventilation check, showing how effectively CO2 is being eliminated and helping detect problems with breathing or airway seal. Cardiac rhythm monitoring is essential for spotting dangerous arrhythmias and guiding rhythm-related treatments. Assessing level of consciousness and the ability to follow commands helps gauge neurological status and how the patient is responding to care. Taken together, these elements create a comprehensive, continuous picture of the patient’s condition, which is why monitoring is not optional but a central part of ALS.