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8Monitoring Respiration Rate
(Resp)
For the respiratory measurement (Resp), the monitor measures the thoracic impedance between two
ECG electrodes on the patient's chest. Changes in the impedance due to thoracic movement produce
the Resp waveform on the monitor screen. The monitor counts the waveform cycles to calculate the
respiration rate (RR).
Lead Placement for Monitoring Resp
Correct patient skin preparation techniques for electrode placement are important for Resp
measurement: you will find this information in the chapter on ECG.
The Resp measurement uses the standard ECG cable sets and lead placements. You can use any of the
different types of ECG cable sets - 3-lead, 5-lead, 6-lead or 10-lead, using either standard or EASI™
placement - to measure Resp, as long as you use ICU ECG cables.
The Resp signal is always measured between two of the ECG electrodes. Note that at least a standard
3-lead placement is required to measure Resp. The Resp measurement cannot be performed with only
two electrodes.
Selecting the Resp Lead for Measurement
To choose the leads for the Resp measurement:
In the
Setup Resp menu, select Resp Lead and choose one of the following vectors:
•
I (RA-LA) or
•
II (RA-LL).
Note that if EASI is configured, Respiration will be measured between the I and A electrodes.
Optimizing Lead Placement for Resp
If you want to measure Resp and you are already measuring ECG, you may need to optimize
placement of the two electrodes between which Resp will be measured for some patients.
Repositioning ECG electrodes from standard positions, especially when you are using EASI™ ECG
electrode placement, results in changes in the ECG waveform and may influence ST and arrhythmia
interpretation.
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