Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Case Study

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In the field of nursing almost every tool that is used contains some type of computer technology, from a monitor displaying data to the thermometer used to take temperatures. Specifically, all of the technology that is used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is relatively new as this branch of nursing was not established until about the 1960’s. Although most of the technology created resembles a smaller version of the adult model, they must complete slightly different tasks for the babies. The four tools described are the cardiopulmonary monitor, pulse oximeter, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and the incubator or isolette.
Cardiopulmonary Monitor
What is it?
The cardiopulmonary monitor is a system of wires with three electrodes that attach to the baby. (PeekabooICU) Two of these electrodes are placed on the chest of the child and one is placed on the abdomen or leg. …show more content…

There are several different tasks that the cardiopulmonary monitor is used for. The main task is to monitor every activity of the heart. The other tasks that it is used for is to monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation within the blood, and blood pressure.
How does it work?
The wires that are attached to the electrodes that are positioned on the baby’s body are also attached to a monitor where the heart activity is displayed. Heart activity is displayed through waveforms where peaks represent activity in the heart. If the heart becomes too active or inactive the machine sets off preprogrammed alarms to alert the doctors, nurses, and parents that something is wrong. The other measurements being taken are displayed on the monitor’s screen as numbers and percentages.
Pulse Oximeter
What is

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