Utility of the photoplethysmogram in circulatory monitoring

Andrew Reisner1, Phillip A Shaltis, Devin McCombie

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Anesthesiology
|April 24, 2008
PubMed

Related Concept Videos

Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure01:30

Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure

Direct Method
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
Pulse01:16

Pulse

When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
Pulse01:05

Pulse

The pulse is one of the most fundamental physiological indicators of the body's cardiovascular health. It is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arterial walls in response to the pressure generated by the heart's pumping action.
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound01:19

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound

To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs01:19

Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs

Following these guidelines can help nurses accurately measure vital signs, assess changes in patient conditions, and provide timely treatment when necessary. Adhering closely to the guidelines ensures the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.