6-1
6 Alarms
Alarms, triggered by a vital sign that appears abnormal or by technical problems of the
patient monitor, are indicated to the user by visual and audible alarm indications.
6.1 Alarm Categories
By nature, the patient monitor’s alarms can be classified into three categories: physiological
alarms, technical alarms and prompt messages.
1. Physiological alarms
Physiological alarms, also called patient status alarms, are triggered by a monitored
parameter value that violates set alarm limits or an abnormal patient condition.
Physiological alarm messages are displayed in the physiological alarm area.
2. Technical alarms
Technical alarms, also called system status alarms, are triggered by a device malfunction
or a patient data distortion due to proper operation or mechanical problems. Technical
alarm messages are displayed in the technical alarm area.
3. Prompt messages
As a matter of fact, prompt messages are not alarm messages. Apart from the
physiological and technical alarm messages, the patient monitor will show some
messages telling the system status. Messages of this kind are included into the prompt
message category and usually displayed in the prompt information area. But for some
measurements, their related prompt messages are displayed in their respective parameter
windows.
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