To solve this question, let us deploy IMS's four-step technique.

STEP #1 -> IDENTIFY THE QUESTION TYPE

The question stem states, 'Considering only the information given about burn patients in the passage above, which of the following is most likely to enhance the effectiveness of the standard treatment of a burn patient?' What we have is an inference question.

Now that the question type is identified, let us proceed to the second step.

STEP #2 -> X-RAY THE PASSAGE

Let us now read and understand the passage. As we read, we may want to state the facts mentioned in the passage.

FACT #1: Infection is the biggest threat to the life of a burn patient.
FACT #2: The skin, the body's natural barrier against bacteria, is damaged or gone in the burned areas.
FACT #3: The bacteria that are a threat are unpredictable in both variety and number.
FACT #4: Moreover, those found affecting any one patient may change completely from one day to the next.
FACT #5: The standard treatment, therefore, is the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

One can infer from the stated facts that the standard treatment for a burn patient is the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics because the skin, which is the body's natural barrier against bacteria, is damaged or gone in the burned areas.

Now that the argument is x-rayed, let us proceed to the third step.

STEP #3 -> FRAME A SHADOW ANSWER

What we are to choose is an answer option that enhances the effectiveness of the standard treatment of a burn patient based on the facts stated. Because the very first fact makes it evident that infection is the biggest threat to the life of a burn patient, the right answer must simply introduce a situation that can help the patient avoid getting infected.

SHADOW ANSWER: Any situation that helps the patient avoid infection, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the standard treatment.

Now that a shadow answer is framed, let us proceed to the final step.

STEP #4 -> ELIMINATE INCORRECT ANSWER OPTIONS

Let us eliminate all answer options that do not match the shadow answer.

(A) Keeping the patient in an air-conditioned room until recovery is assured - NOT A MATCH - If the patient is kept in an air-conditioned room, will it help the patient avoid infection? No! - ELIMINATE

(B) Keeping the areas affected by burns as dry as possible - NOT A MATCH - Since the bacteria that are a threat are unpredictable in both variety and number, keeping the areas affected by burns as dry as possible may not help the patient avoid infection. - ELIMINATE

(C) Continuously monitoring the patient's vital signs with electronic equipment - NOT A MATCH - Monitoring the vital signs with electronic equipment will be of little help if the patient's infection exacerbates. - ELIMINATE

(D) Feeding the patient a diet extra rich in calories - NOT A MATCH - A diet extra rich in calories has zero correlation with avoiding infection. - ELIMINATE

(E) Keeping the patient in a maximally sterile environment - MATCHES THE SHADOW ANSWER - If the given facts are true, keeping the patient in a maximally sterile environment will help the patient avoid infection, enhancing the effectiveness of the standard treatment. - MARK AND MOVE

Hence, E is the correct answer.