patiëntmonitor

A patiëntmonitor, also known as a patient monitor or vital signs monitor, is a medical device used to continuously display and record a patient's physiological parameters. These parameters typically include heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and body temperature. The information gathered by the patiëntmonitor is crucial for healthcare professionals to assess a patient's condition, detect changes, and make timely treatment decisions.

Patiëntmonitors are commonly found in critical care settings such as intensive care units (ICUs), operating rooms, and emergency departments. They are also used during transport of critically ill patients and in some long-term care facilities. The devices are equipped with various sensors that are attached to the patient's body. For example, a pulse oximeter clip on a finger measures oxygen saturation and heart rate, while electrodes placed on the chest monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG). Non-invasive blood pressure cuffs periodically inflate to measure blood pressure.

The data displayed on the patiëntmonitor can be visualized in real-time, often as waveforms and numerical readouts. Alarms are a critical feature, alerting medical staff to significant deviations from pre-set normal ranges. This immediate notification is vital in life-threatening situations. Modern patiëntmonitors are often networked, allowing data to be transmitted to a central nursing station or integrated into electronic health records, facilitating comprehensive patient management and historical analysis. The technology continues to evolve, with advancements focusing on increased accuracy, portability, and the integration of more sophisticated monitoring capabilities.