Continuous cardiac monitoring records the electrical activity of the heart as an electrocardiogram and is indicated for identification of potentially lethal dysrhythmias.
Category Archives: Procedures
Neurological Observations
Testing the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and pupils function form part of a basic neurological screen. Testing pupils for reactivity to light is a combination of testing the sensory function of cranial nerve II and the motor function of cranial nerve III.
Twelve-Lead ECG
Twelve lead electrocardiograms are used in the identification of potentially lethal myocardial ischaemia, injury or dysrhythmias. To guarantee diagnostic quality the health practitioner must ensure the correct placement and conductivity of the electrodes.
Blood Glucose Level Measurement
Measuring blood glucose levels is a common activity performed by health professionals. Blood glucose levels commonly change with illness and depending on the level can have serious affects on patients.
Oxygen Administration
Oxygen therapy is a common intervention for the deteriorating patient. Careful patient assessment and management of the deteriorating patient is one of the Australian National and Quality Health Service Standards developed by the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health care in 2011.
Oxygen Saturation
Approximately 70-80% adverse events are preceded by derangements in vital signs for up to 12 hours with minimal or no intervention from clinicians. This emphasises the need for health professionals to ensure patient safety by careful patient assessment. Recognition and managing the deteriorating patient is one of the Australian National and Quality Health Service Standards developed by the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health care in 2011.
Cervical Spine Immobilisation
Immobilisation of the cervical spine is performed when clinical findings or mechanism of injury leads to a suspicion of injury to the vertebral column or spinal cord. Cervical spine immobilisation is a component of the full immobilisation of the vertebral column.
Chest Auscultation
Auscultation of the chest via a stethoscope has been an integral part of respiratory examination for the last 200 years.