Mindray ePM 10M, Operator'S Manual

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9
Alarms
9.1 Alarm Introduction
This chapter describes alarm functions and alarm settings.
9.2 Alarm Safety Information
WARNING
•
A potential hazard can exist if different alarm presets and default configuration settings are used for
the same or similar equipment in the same care area, for example an intensive care unit or cardiac
operating room.
•
If your monitor is connected to the central monitoring system (CMS) or other monitors, alarms can
be presented and controlled remotely. Remote suspension, inhibition, or reset of monitor alarms via
the CMS or other monitors may cause a potential hazard. For more information, see the operator’s
manuals of the CMS and the other monitors.
•
The monitors in your care area may each have different alarm settings to suit different patients.
Always check that the alarm settings are appropriate for your patient before start monitoring.
Always make sure that necessary alarm limits are active and set according to the patient's clinical
condition.
•
Setting alarm limits to extreme values may cause the alarm system to become ineffective. For
example, high oxygen levels may predispose a premature infant to retrolental fibroplasia. If this is a
consideration do not set the SpO
2
high alarm limit to 100%, which is equivalent to switching the
alarm off.
•
When the alarm sound is switched off, the monitor gives no alarm tones even if a new alarm occurs.
Be careful about whether to switch off the alarm sound or not. When the alarms are off or while
alarm audio is paused either temporarily or indefinitely, observe the patient frequently.
•
When monitoring patients that are not continuously attended by a clinical operator, properly
configure the alarm system and adjust alarm settings as per the patient's condition.
•
Do not rely exclusively on the audible alarm system for monitoring. Adjustment of alarm volume to a
low level may result in a hazard to the patient. Always make sure that the audio alarm volume level is
adequate in your care environment. Always keep the patient under close surveillance.
9.3 Understanding the Alarms
9.3.1 Alarm Categories
The monitor has two different types of alarms: physiological alarms and technical alarms.
■ Physiological alarms are triggered by patient measurement exceeding the parameter limits, or by an
abnormal patient conditions.
■ Technical alarms are triggered by an electrical, mechanical, or other monitor failure, or by failure of a sensor
or component. Technical alarm conditions may also be caused when an algorithm cannot classify or
interpret the available data.
Apart from the physiological and technical alarms, the monitor can also prompt some messages telling the
system status or patient status.