How to Read the ICU Monitor in the Hospital
How to read the ICU monitor is very important for us to know as knowledge when looking after sick people. Here are some indicators you need to know.
1. ECG Strips, Respiratory Waveforms, and Sp02 . Waveforms
– ECG Strips: The purpose of ECG Strips is not for in-depth ECG analysis. Usually, the ECG strip represents only one lead (usually lead II). – Respiratory Waveform: Respiratory Waveform can help doctors monitor breathing problems such as apnea or dyspnea. – SpO2 Waveform: SpO2 Waveform can help in determining if there is a problem with circulation or peripheral perfusion. In addition, each peak on the SpO2 Waveform must correlate with the heart rate on the ECG Waveform at close intervals. Furthermore, because oxygenated blood is pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat.
2. CO2 Waveform and IBP Waveform (1,2)
– CO2 Waveform: CO2 Waveform helps to visualize how much CO2 the patient exhales. Furthermore, the normal CO2 Waveform is generally a rounded rectangle. – IBP Waveform (1,2): IBP Waveform helps visualize invasive blood pressure. Some patient monitors will show several waveforms. For example, in our case ART (Arterial Blood Pressure) and CVP (Central Venous Blood Pressure) are on display.
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