All functions on a patient monitor are used to a greater or lesser extent. From newborns to obese patients and from simple SpO₂ measurement to an extensive 12-lead ECG. It is therefore important to check all functions of the patient monitor. The type of monitor naturally also determines which functions you want to simulate. The basic principle is: check all functions that the device has.
Which parameters are relevant? The following parameters are frequently found in patient monitors:
ECG, arrhythmia & respiration
ECG, arrhythmia, respiration & NIBP
ECG, arrhythmia, respiration, NIBP, IBP & SpO₂
Furthermore, you sometimes connect things like:
- Temperature
- Fetal/maternal ECG
- Intrauterine pressure
- Cardiac Output
During simulation, it is useful if the parameters are physiologically synchronized. If you simulate low blood pressure, the other relevant parameters will follow automatically. It is also good if you can simulate all parameters from low to high values. The monitor can often handle standard values well, but it is particularly interesting to also test extreme values. Especially when monitoring vital functions in extremely premature or very obese patients.
Always use the correct cables and connections when simulating. Ensure that the connectors are of the correct brand and type so that the signal is properly transferred from simulator to monitor.
In the following blog, we provide five practical tips for checking patient monitors.
