Monitoring (medicine)

Monitoring in medicine is the observation of a disease, condition or one or several medical parameters over time. It can be performed by continuously measuring certain parameters by using a medical monitor (for example, by continuously measuring vital signs by a bedside monitor), and/or by repeatedly performing medical tests (such as blood glucose monitoring with a glucose meter in people with diabetes mellitus).

Types of monitoring

Physiological monitoring

Physiological monitoring involves the observation of vital physiological parameters, such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, and respiratory rate. This type of monitoring is typically performed in critical care settings, such as intensive care units and operating rooms.

Biochemical monitoring

Biochemical monitoring involves the measurement of chemical and biochemical parameters in the body, such as blood glucose levels, electrolyte concentrations, and drug levels. This type of monitoring is often performed in patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Hemodynamic monitoring

Hemodynamic monitoring involves the measurement of blood flow and pressure within the cardiovascular system. This type of monitoring is often used in patients with heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

See also

• Medical monitor
• Vital signs
• Intensive care unit
• Operating room
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Heart failure
• Cardiovascular disease

References

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  Medical monitor used for patient monitoring
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  Patient in intensive care unit
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  Maquet Flow-I anesthesia machine
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  Capsule endoscope for internal monitoring
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  PASCAL tonometer for eye pressure monitoring