What symptom should be monitored and recorded in cases of intestinal obstruction?

Monitoring and recording abdominal pain is crucial in cases of intestinal obstruction due to the nature of the obstruction and its effects on the gastrointestinal system. Patients experiencing an intestinal obstruction typically report significant abdominal pain, which can vary in intensity and character. Understanding this symptom is important for evaluating the severity of the obstruction and determining if there are any complications, such as perforation or ischemia.

Abdominal pain can also provide insights into the location and type of obstruction, whether it is complete or partial, and can inform treatment decisions. Additionally, pain assessments help in tracking changes over time, guiding medical professionals in managing the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Other symptoms like urine output, respiratory rate, and skin temperature, while important in their own right, do not directly correlate with the immediate manifestations or progression of an intestinal obstruction as clearly as abdominal pain does.