8.2. Patient monitoring during surgery: Appropriate use of monitoring equipment

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The role of nursing in the surgical center is an area of ​​extreme importance in the field of health. Nurses play a key role in all stages of the surgical process, from patient preparation to postoperative recovery. One of the most critical aspects of this role is patient monitoring during surgery. This chapter will focus on detailing the proper use of monitoring equipment.

Patient monitoring during surgery is an essential practice to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. The nurse should be familiar with using various monitoring devices to closely monitor the patient's vital conditions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration.

Heart Rate Monitor: This equipment is used to monitor the patient's heart rate and rhythm. The nurse must ensure that the monitor electrodes are properly placed on the patient's chest to obtain accurate readings. Any irregularity in heart rate or rhythm could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Blood Pressure Monitor: This device is used to measure the blood pressure of the patient. A band, called a cuff, is placed around the patient's arm or leg and inflated to measure pressure. The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly to detect any signs of hypertension or hypotension, which can be harmful during surgery.

Pulse Oximeter: This is a small device that is placed on the patient's finger to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. The nurse must ensure that the oximeter is working properly and that the oxygen saturation reading is within the normal range. Any drop in oxygen saturation may indicate a problem with the patient's breathing or blood oxygenation.

Respiration Monitor: This equipment is used to monitor the rate and depth of breathing of the patient. The nurse should closely monitor the breathing monitor readings for any signs of respiratory distress or apnea.

In addition, the nurse must be aware of how to interpret the readings of these monitoring devices and know when to intervene. For example, a sharp drop in blood pressure could indicate a hemorrhage, while a drop in oxygen saturation could indicate a problem with the patient's ventilation.

In summary, patient monitoring during surgery is a crucial task that requires a high level of competence and knowledge on the part of the nurse. Proper use of monitoring equipment can help detect problems early and intervene in a timely manner, thereby improving surgery outcomes and patient safety.

This e-book course will provide an in-depth and comprehensive overview of the role of nursing in the operating room, with special emphasis on the proper use of monitoring equipment. Throughout the course, students will learn about best practices and the latest guidelines in this area, preparing them to provide high quality care to patients during surgery.

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118.3. Patient monitoring during surgery: Correct interpretation of monitoring data