Patient Monitoring Systems Flashcards

What is a telemetry monitoring system and how does it differ from bedside monitoring?

Answer: Telemetry uses portable wireless transmitters on ambulatory patients, sending ECG data to a central station

Telemetry uses small portable wireless transmitters enabling continuous monitoring while patients walk around.

What are the common sources of artifact in ECG monitoring and how can they be minimized?

Answer: Common sources include muscle tremor, movement, poor electrode contact, 60Hz interference, and respiratory drift, minimized through proper skin preparation

ECG artifact comes from multiple sources that can be minimized through proper electrode application and environmental controls.

What is pulse transit time and how are newer patient monitors using it?

Answer: The time for a pulse wave to travel between two arterial sites, being explored for continuous cuff-less blood pressure estimation

PTT inversely correlates with blood pressure and enables continuous cuff-less BP estimation.

Why is it important to verify alarm settings on a patient monitor at the beginning of each patient encounter?

Answer: Alarm limits must be individualized to prevent missed events and alarm fatigue from false alarms

Alarm limits must be individualized because default or previous patient settings may not be appropriate.

What is the function of a fetal monitor and what two primary parameters does it continuously measure?

Answer: Fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contraction activity (tocometry)

A fetal monitor (cardiotocograph) measures fetal heart rate using Doppler ultrasound and uterine contractions using a tocodynamometer.

What is bispectral index (BIS) monitoring and what does it measure?

Answer: A processed EEG parameter that quantifies anesthesia depth on a scale of 0 to 100

BIS analyzes brain electrical activity to provide a single number representing consciousness level for guiding anesthesia depth.