What is a bedside
monitor?
A bedside monitor is a display of major body
functions on a device that looks like a
television screen or computer monitor. The
number of body functions the monitor
measures is up to the doctor and nurse.
The monitor is attached to wires, called
leads. At the other end, the leads are
attached to sensing devices attached to the
patient's body. The sensing device sends
electronic signals to the monitor, which
displays the readings for the specific body
function being monitored.
When is a bedside
monitor used?
The monitor is typically used when the
doctor wants to measure functions like the
heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure
and temperature. In addition, special
functions such as capnography, oximetry,
electroencephalography and pulmonary artery
catheter readings are also used in certain
situations. The bedside monitor has alarms
that signal the nurse if a body function
needs attention.
Does use of a
bedside monitor hurt?
Being attached to the bedside monitor does
not hurt.
How long is a
bedside monitor used?
All patients admitted to the ICU have a
bedside monitor attached to them. The
bedside monitor is normally used the entire
time a patient is in the ICU.
Are there any
potential complications associated with use
of a bedside monitor?
No.
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