How to understand a vital sign monitor?

The health status of a person is reflected by indicators recorded by the vital signs monitor, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and oxygenation, a change in signs can identify the modification of a patient’s health. These signs are assessed and evaluated in a wide variety of circumstances, influenced by the intake of drugs before and after each medical procedure or in emergency situations.

The accuracy in the interpretation of the data is important being these made by health experts, since it is a vital part of the patient’s condition. However, continuous monitoring is not only indicated for the sick, but also for those who must be in optimal physical-athletic conditions, athletes, for recreation and rehabilitation, in whom abnormal patterns of saturation and cardiac arrhythmias are found, as probable causes of acute events in the activity. Therefore, the results will be reflected on the vital signs monitor, and are the basis for conducting patient studies if required.

Assessment and Interpretation of Vital Signs from the Monitor 

Through the measurements reflected on the vital signs monitor, it shows the capacity of heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and body temperature, plus how much oxygen the blood carries, how fast the patient is breathing and can even show how much pressure is in the brain or how much carbon dioxide is being exhaled. 

According to the above, the heart rate represents the number of times the patient inhales and exhales and is reflected on the monitor with the acronym (rpm).

Another important vital sign is the pulse, which is responsible for measuring heart rate. The pulse measurement is visualized with the abbreviation (Ipm) and provides important information about any cardiac alteration, and therefore indications about any possible medical condition. Likewise, the body temperature of a person, which is being monitored, is considered normal that ranges between 36.5°-37.2°C and is appreciated by the acronym (°C) varies according to sex, previously performed activity, food and ingested liquids, etc., as well 

On the other hand, blood pressure is reflected in the vital signs monitor as (PA) and defines the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.  

Medical training for proper monitoring of vital signs

For a correct measurement, the medical personnel responsible for taking the records, must adjust the monitor and accessories correctly in patients who require it, which must comply with the following recommendations: 

  • Verify that the patient is selected correctly on the monitor.
  • Check that the hose application area: temperature, color, possible appearance of bruising or lesions.
  • Monitor the proper functioning of the oxygen saturation indicating the signal strength, the quality and stability of the wave and SatO2 values.
  • Certify that the light emitter and detector are engaged and that all light passes through the patient’s tissue.
  • Check the pulsatile flow in the application area and do not have excessive movement. 
  • Inspect the application site every 3 hours for skin quality.
  • Ensure the correct location and fixation of the electrode in the appropriate area.
  • In the case of contrasts, systemic dissemination should be expected within 5-10 minutes.
  • Inspect the patient. 
  • Assess blood gas.

The parameters obtained by the monitor are observed intermittently by the doctor and / or nurse, who are responsible for studying the data received by the vital signs monitor, indicating the clinical status of a patient.

Vital Signs Monitor in Kalstein

At Kalstein, we offer you the best and most varied range of medical equipment, especially our vital signs monitor, which can measure the parameters of SpO2, NIBP, pulse, temperature etc. It has an LCD screen for ECG and respiration waveforms. The Vital Signs Monitor comes with a large LED color display which allows clear viewing for users. The alarm limits are adjustable, it offers nursing call, stores up to 12000 NIBP data sets and network capability with central monitoring system are available.

Check our catalog HERE