GE HEALTHCARE B20, User'S Reference Manual

Page: 82 / 320

B40/B20 Patient Monitor
5-2
Safety precautions
Warnings
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Verify alarm processing is active and no arrhythmia occurred during power interruption.
•
Latched alarms are not retained through monitor reset if alarm condition is been
removed.
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Do not rely on secondary alarm system for receipt of alarm signal.
•
Observe patient frequently while alarms or audio are paused or off.
•
No alarm sound during Audio Pause.
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The audible alarm signal can be paused by central station.
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ALARMS - Do not rely exclusively on the audible alarm system for patient monitoring.
Adjustment of alarm volume to a low level or off during patient monitoring may result in a
hazard to the patient. Remember that the most reliable method of patient monitoring
combines close personal surveillance with correct operation of monitoring equipment.
After connecting the monitor to the central station and/or nurse-call system, verify the
function of the alarm system. The functions of the alarm system for monitoring of the
patient must be verified at regular intervals.
•
Make sure alarms are active and set according to patient condition.
•
Only the latest and highest priority alarm is sent to CARESCAPE Network.
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ACCURACY - If the accuracy of any value displayed on the monitor, central station, or
printed on a graph strip is questionable, determine the patient’s vital signs by alternative
means. Verify that all equipment is working correctly.
•
A potential hazard can exist if different alarm presets are used for the same or similar
equipment in any single area.
•
The same or similar equipment used in any single area with different alarm presets, may
present a hazard.
•
Audible alarm automatically can be sounded when monitor starting up.
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Always make sure that the audio alarm volume level is adequate in your care
environment.