ECG/RESP Monitoring
11.9 Measuring RESP
11.9.1 How to measure RESP?
The monitor measures respiration from the amount of thoracic impedance between two ECG
electrodes. The change of impedance between two electrodes, (due to the thoracic
movement), produces a respiratory waveform on the screen.
11.9.2 Setting Up RESP measurement
For RESP monitoring, it is not necessary to attach additional electrodes. It is very important to
attach the electrodes to the correct positions.
Some patients, due to their clinical conditions, expand their chest laterally, causing a negative
intrathoracic pressure. In these cases it is better to place the two RESP electrodes laterally in
the right axillary and left lateral chest areas at the maximum point of breathing movement to
optimize the respiratory waveform.
ZiA NoteZiA
You shall not execute RESP monitoring on the patient who is very active, as this can
cause error alarms.
Checklist for RESP Monitoring
Prepare the patient's skin prior to placing the electrodes.
Attach snap or clip to the electrodes and attach the electrodes to the patient as described
in 11.9.3.
Turn on the monitor.
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