Guide to using devices in surgical operating rooms

Definition:

A medical monitor is an electronic medical device used for continuous medical observation, displaying physiological data in real-time on its screen.

Types of Medical Monitors

1. Analog Monitoring Devices:

• Previously used only to display electrocardiograms (ECG).
• Later modified to measure blood pressure and pulse rate separately.
• These devices were widely used and helped save many lives but had several drawbacks, such as:
• Electrical interference.
• Lack of alarm systems.
• High cost.

2. Digital Monitoring Devices:

• With the advancement of digital signal processing technology, medical monitors have improved significantly.
• All modern monitors are fully digital, offering compact designs and easy portability.
• Standard monitoring parameters now include:
• Pulse oximeter (measuring oxygen saturation).
• Blood oxygen level.
• Blood pressure.
• Body temperature.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).

3. Monitoring Devices Attached to Pacemakers:

• Commonly used in emergency and reception units.
• Designed to save time and effort by eliminating the need to transfer patients between multiple devices.

Users & Applications:

1. Vital signs measurement.

2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring.

3. Blood pressure measurement using a pressure cuff wrapped around the patient’s arm.

o   Normal blood pressure: 120/80 ± 20/15 mmHg.

4. Body temperature measurement using temperature transducers.

o   Normal temperature: 36.5°C – 37.5°C.

5. Blood oxygen level measurement (SpO₂ monitoring).

Most used individuals :

1Critical care unit patients.

2 Patients in dialysis units.

3 Operating room patients.

4 Patients in recovery rooms.

5 Patients in reception units until they are classified.

6 Pediatric patients in the neonatal critical care unit.