Cardio/respiratory monitor

Definition
A machine used to check a person's breathing and heart rate. It may also be called a CR monitor, an an apnea monitor or an apnea/bradycardia monitor. Its purpose is to detect and inform caregivers of potential life threatening events.


This monitor uses two electrodes, lead wires and a patient cable to connect to the child. Pre-set limits alarm for tachycardia, bradycardia, or apnea.

• No commercial monitor is ideal to detect life threatening events with the tracheostomy because airflow is not assessed.
• The monitor will alarm when outside preset limits and alert caregivers about life threatening situations.
• Best monitor is a vigilant, trained caregiver.
  

• Young children with a tracheostomy or ventilator often use a cardio/respiratory monitor during sleep, travel and when not closely attended.
• The prescribed alarm limits are preset and are not to be changed without a doctor's order.
• Know how to use the monitor, what the alarms mean and how to respond to the alarms.