What should be monitored continuously during transport of a patient showing symptoms of DCS or AGE?

During the transport of a patient exhibiting symptoms of Decompression Sickness (DCS) or Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE), it is crucial to continuously monitor the patient’s breathing and cardiac function. This is because both DCS and AGE can significantly affect respiratory and cardiovascular stability, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

Monitoring breathing ensures that the patient maintains adequate oxygenation and ventilation, while keeping an eye on cardiac function helps identify any abnormalities in heart rhythm or perfusion that could worsen the patient's condition. Prompt recognition of changes in these vital parameters allows for immediate interventions, which can be critical in preventing further deterioration.

Other factors such as calorie intake and mental state are important for overall care and treatment but are not as immediate in terms of life-supporting measures. Environmental conditions, while relevant in certain contexts, do not directly pertain to the immediate physiological needs of the patient in relation to DCS or AGE. Therefore, the focus on breathing and cardiac function aligns perfectly with the immediate requirements for safe transport and treatment of these dive-related conditions.