A patients health can be checked by their vital signs. An abnormal change in vital signs can indicate illness like fever, heart attack, or respiratory problems. Four major vital signs that can be measured by manual or digital patient monitors at home:
- Body temperature
- Glucose level
- Blood pressure
- Pulse rate
Patient monitors at home
1: Thermometer
A thermometer is used to measure the body temperature of an individual. Normal body temperature is around 98.6˚F, but if it is under 98 degrees ˚F or more than 99 then it could be an indication of:
- Fever
- Hypothermia
- Hyperthermia
- Bacterial or Viral Infection
Thermometers come in a variety of different types from gas to digital thermometers.
2: Sphygmomanometer
This is a device used to control blood pressure, also known as a blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure is the measure of the force on your arteries when your heart is beating (known as systolic pressure) and when it’s at rest (diastolic pressure). The first number (systolic) should be between 100 and 130, and the second number (diastolic) should be between 60 and 80 in normal condition. Digital sphygmomanometers are used frequently at home and in hospital settings.
3: Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter is a small clip-like device that attaches to the body. It is frequently used to measure the pulse rate and level of oxygenation in the blood.
Pulse oximeters are generally operated in hospitals, but health practitioners also allow patients to use them at home to check blood oxygenation levels. Pulse oximeters can be used to monitor the health of patients with conditions including:
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Anemia
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Congenital heart defect
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4: Glucometer
Glucometers are a surprisingly beneficial medical device that is frequently used in the home for diabetic patients. Glucometers also known as glucose meters, are eminently beneficial devices that operate by simply a single drop of blood. These are small, portable, and designed for patient’s comfort and can be used anywhere.
These are the patient monitors used in homes to check vital signs and symptoms.
