(mon′ĭt-ŏr )

[L. monitor, adviser]

1. One who observes a condition, procedure, or apparatus, esp. one responsible for detecting and preventing malfunction.
2. A device that provides a warning signal when another device fails or malfunctions or when a measurement threshold is reached.
3. To check by using an electronic device.

apnea monitor

SEE: apnea monitoring

Beck airway airflow monitor

SEE: Beck airway airflow monitor

blood glucose monitor

SEE: Glucometer.

blood pressure monitor

A device that automatically obtains and usually records the blood pressure at certain intervals, using the direct or indirect method of determining pressure. In some models, an alarm or light signal is activated if the pressure rises or falls to an abnormal level.

cardiac monitor

A visual and/or audible recording of each electrical impulse or physical contraction of the heart.

continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitor

Holter monitor

event monitor

SEE: Loop recorder.

fetal monitor

1. A monitor that detects and displays fetal heartbeat.
2. Assessment of fetus in utero with respect to its heart rate by use of electrocardiogram or by chemical analysis of the amniotic fluid or fetal blood.
SEE: fetal heart rate monitoring; SEE: fetal monitoring in utero

glucose monitor

SEE: Glucometer.

Holter monitor

SEE: Holter monitor

impedance monitor

A device used to detect variations in respiratory rate and volume. It measures changes in the electrical impedance of the chest as the patient breathes. It may be used in intensive care units to monitor critically ill patients or in private residences to detect apnea, esp. in sleeping infants.

peak flow monitor

A handheld device used to assess the maximum expiratory flow (in liters/minute) in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.

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personal radiation monitor

A small device worn or carried by a person to measure the accumulated radiation dosage over a period of time.
SEE: dosimeter

respiratory monitor

Respiratory function monitoring

temperature monitor

A monitor for measuring and recording temperature of the body or some particular portion of the body.

unit monitor

In radiation therapy, a calibrated unit of dose that determines the length of the treatment.

uterine activity monitor

An electronic sensor applied to or worn around the abdomen to note and record uterine contractions and fetal heart tones.

Such sensors are sometimes used by patients at home, particularly if they have a history of preterm delivery. If home monitoring is used, patients are taught to apply the monitor daily and transmit the data by telephone to a health care professional for analysis. After analyzing the data, a telephone assessment for symptoms and signs of preterm labor is conducted, with necessary advice given to the patient.

vaccine vial monitor

A heat-sensitive indicator on the outside of a vaccine bottle that changes color when the vaccine has been exposed to excessively high temperatures, making it unsafe for patient use.

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