The ABCs of infant cardiorespiratory monitoring

Abstract

Home health care needs of the general population have grown rapidly in the past 10 years. Similarly, specific high-risk groups may be discharged earlier from the hospital setting. These groups include the maternal/child population. The home health care nurse has a great responsi bility in caring for the technical needs of the high-risk infant. The following guidelines for the nursing care of the infant on a cardiorespiratory monitor include rationale for monitoring, pos sible treatment plans, and troubleshooting techniques. Parental coping and issues of insurance reimbursement are discussed. The nurse must be familiar with these concepts to assist the monitored infant in reaching his or her established health outcome goals. Key words: apnea, documented monitoring, home care, parental coping, SIDS, sleep study