Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
CARDIAC MONITORING IN A CHILD
Continuous observation of heart rate and rhythm using cardiac monitor.
Purpose
- Detect arrhythmias
- Monitor heart rate
- Assess cardiac status
- Guide treatment
Indications
- Cardiac conditions
- Post-cardiac surgery
- Medication effects
- Respiratory distress
- Critical illness
Equipment
- Cardiac monitor
- ECG electrodes
- Skin prep supplies
- Razor if needed
- Tape
- Alarm settings
Preparation
- Explain to child/family
- Prepare skin
- Select electrode size
- Set alarm parameters
Procedure steps
- Explain procedure
- Prepare skin
- Apply electrodes
- Connect leads
- Set alarms
- Verify waveform
- Monitor continuously
- Document findings
Precautions
- Check skin integrity
- Set appropriate alarms
- Verify accuracy
- Respond to alarms
Aftercare
- Assess skin under electrodes
- Change electrodes regularly
- Monitor rhythm trends
- Document findings
Nursing considerations
- Use pediatric electrodes
- Minimize skin irritation
- Consider developmental needs
Patient education
- Explain monitoring purpose
- Discuss alarm sounds
- Teach activity guidelines
Documentation
- Heart rate/rhythm
- Alarm events
- Interventions
- Patient tolerance
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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