Potilasmonitori

A patient monitor is a medical device that continuously records and displays a patient’s vital physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and sometimes temperature. The data are presented in real time on a screen in a numeric or graphical format, allowing clinicians to assess a patient’s condition and intervene promptly if abnormalities arise. Patient monitors often include alarms that trigger when vital signs fall outside preset ranges, helping to alert staff to potential emergencies.

Patient monitors have evolved from simple electrocardiogram (ECG) recorders to sophisticated, multi‑parameter monitoring systems. Early monitors in the 1970s primarily displayed ECG tracings, while later models incorporated non‑invasive blood pressure measurement, pulse oximetry, capnography, and temperature sensors. Modern monitors integrate digital signal processing, wireless connectivity, and data storage that allows trend analysis over time. Some devices also support telemetry, transmitting data to a central monitoring station, which is common in intensive care units.

There are several categories of patient monitors. Bedside monitors are designed for use in hospitals, providing multiple channels for simultaneous parameter monitoring. Portable monitors (or bedside-to-walk‑at‑the‑door monitors) are lightweight and battery‑powered, enabling continuous monitoring outside the operating room or in emergency transport. Ultra‑compact monitors are used in pre‑hospital and field settings, offering vital sign information with minimal equipment. While all patient monitors share basic functions, the choice depends on clinical context, required data complexity, and logistical constraints.

The use of patient monitors has become standard practice in many clinical environments, improving patient safety by providing continuous oversight. They play a crucial role in perioperative care, intensive care, emergency medicine, and during patient transfers. Research shows that timely detection of physiological changes via monitors can reduce morbidity and mortality, especially in high‑risk patient populations.