Welch Allyn Vital Signs Monitor - User Manual - Manual (Page 11)

Vital Signs Monitor 5
General Cautions
• If the accuracy of any measurement is in question, check the patient's vital sign(s) by an
alternate method and then check the Monitor for proper functioning.
• Ensure the Monitor is placed on a secure surface or use one of the optional mounting
accessories.
• Do not place fluids on the Monitor.
Blood Pressure Cautions
• Extremity and cuff motion should be minimized during blood pressure determinations.
• If the blood pressure cuff is not at heart level, the difference in reading due to the hydrostatic
effect should be noted. The value of 1.80 mmHg must be added to the displayed reading for
every inch (2.5cm) above heart level. The value of 1.80 mmHg must be subtracted from the
displayed reading for every inch (2.5cm) below heart level.
• Proper blood pressure cuff size and placement is essential to the accuracy of the BP
determination. See “Chart for Determining Cuff Size” on page 27.
• When measuring blood pressure on children younger than age 3 it is recommended that the
Pressure Preset (initial inflation pressure) be set at 160 mmHg or lower.
SpO
2
Cautions
• The pulse oximeter is calibrated to determine the percentage of arterial oxygen saturation of
functional hemoglobin. Significant levels of dysfunctional hemoglobins such as
carboxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin may affect the accuracy of the measurement.
• Some intravascular dyes, depending on the concentration, may affect the accuracy of the SpO
2
measurement.
• Some sensors may not be appropriate for a particular patient. If at least 10 seconds of perfusion
pulses cannot be observed for a given sensor, change sensor location or sensor type until this
condition is achieved.
Temperature Cautions
• Do not allow the tip of the temperature probe to come into contact with a heat source (i.e. hands
or fingers) prior to taking a temperature measurement. If this occurs discard the probe cover and
start the temperature determination process again.
• Normal mode (10 second) axillary temperatures are accurate only for children under the age of
four. Normal mode axillary temperatures will not be accurate on older children or adults. The
Welch Allyn Vital Signs Monitor is not intended to be used on Neonatal patients.
When taking rectal temperatures, extreme caution should be used to avoid risk of bowel perforation
in children.