Evaluation of a respiratory rate monitor in postsurgical patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical use of a cardiorespiratory rate monitor in patients receiving epidural opioids following major surgery.


METHODS
For 6 hours during the night following surgery, patients were continuously monitored with a cardiorespiratory rate monitor and a pulse oximeter, as well as by an in-room observer.


METHODS
Postoperative surgical ward at a university hospital.


METHODS
Eight ASA physical status I and II patients ages 30 to 76 years.


METHODS
Any bradypneic, hypoxemic, bradycardic, or tachycardic event was confirmed by the observer and recorded.


RESULTS
The cardiorespiratory rate monitor accurately identified true bradypneic episodes in five of the eight patients. There were no false-positive alarms. The respiratory rate monitor and the pulse oximeter identified one episode of hypoxemia. There were no episodes of bradycardia or tachycardia.


CONCLUSIONS
The cardiorespiratory rate monitor is useful in patients at risk for bradypnea following surgery.
Anderson
W
W
Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA.
Brock-Utne
A J
AJ
Brock-Utne
J G
JG
Brodsky
J B
JB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D001049:Apnea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D004091:Hydromorphone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D004091:Hydromorphone; D010100:Oxygen