User's Manual

Table Of Contents
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3-2
T
ELEMETRY TRANSMITTER (96281)
ECG
AND SP O
2
Note:
Use only Spacelabs Healthcare-recommended electrodes. Some
electrodes may polarize and create large offset potentials. This
can compromise recovery time after application of defibrillator
pulses. Squeeze-bulb electrodes, commonly used for diagnostic
ECG recordings, may be particularly vulnerable to this effect.
Noise on ECG signals, especially noise that resembles actual cardiac
waveforms, is a frequent cause of false alarms. Some of this noise
may be because of electrode positioning, patient movement or
intermittent signal connections (either of electrode to skin or of
leadwires to electrodes). You can eliminate some of this noise (and
many of these false alarms) by paying careful attention to skin
preparation and electrode application.
The telemetry transmitter is color-coded to match the color of the
leadwires. Table 3-1 on page 3-3 lists leadwire color and identifier
codes.
To Set Up ECG Monitoring
When attaching leadwires to the telemetry transmitter, use the color
coding and/or leadwire identifier code to ensure that the correct
connections are made.
ECG electrodes have a column of conductive gel that is surrounded
by an adhesive surface. The condition of the electrode’s gel column
directly affects the quality of the ECG signal. For example, more
noise appears on the ECG signal if gel is displaced (or air is trapped)
when you apply an electrode to the patient. Key points to remember
include:
Before using electrodes, verify that they have not expired
and that the conductive gel is not dry. Replace the
electrodes if necessary.
Always attach the electrode to its leadwire before applying
the electrode to the patient (refer to Figure 3-1). Do not
apply pressure directly over the electrode’s gel column.
Press firmly around the outer edge of the electrode’s
adhesive surface to ensure that the electrode is securely
attached to the patient.
To minimize muscle artifact, place electrodes over flat, non-
muscular areas of the body (refer to Figure 3-2). This is
important for telemetry patients who are usually ambulatory.
After electrodes and leadwires are attached, add a stress
loop (a loop of leadwire taped close to its electrode) to
minimize stress or pulling on the electrode itself. This will
improve ECG signal quality, particularly for ambulatory
patients.
Note:
Spacelabs Healthcare recommends that electrodes be replaced
after 24 to 48 hours of use.