GE Dash 2500 Operator's Manual page 114

ECG: Indications and Contraindications
WARNINGS
Ensure that ECG connectors and electrodes do not come into
contact with other equipment and cables, especially other
metallic objects such as bed frames, furniture, and fixtures,
which may be grounded (earthed).
Pacemaker patients must only be monitored with the pacer
detector activated.
During electrosurgical unit use, monitor patients in nonpaced
mode. Using nonpaced mode in a pacemaker patient may
result in inaccurate heart rate averaging. Pacemaker spikes
may be interpreted as QRS complexes, and the screen may
continue to display a heart rate during asystole or cardiac
standstill.
Do not use the ECG parameter during magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). Adverse reactions include potential burns to
patients as a result of contact with attachments heated by the
MRI radio frequency pulse, potential degradation of the
magnetic resonance image, and potential reduced accuracy of
ECG measurements. Always remove ECG from the MRI
environment before scanning a patient.
When using a defibrillator on a patient being monitored,
carefully follow the instructions and cautions provided in the
manual for the defibrillator. Ensure that electrodes and patient
cables do not contact metal or other conductive objects or
surfaces, or grounded parts of equipment.
When electrosurgical equipment is being used with a patient
being monitored, place the electrodes, patient leads, and
cables as far away as possible from the surgical site. Also, keep
ECG leads away from other equipment. These precautions will
reduce the hazard of burns in the event of a defect in the
electrosurgical equipment neutral electrode connection.
Line Isolation monitor transients may resemble actual cardiac
waveforms and inhibit heart rate alarms.
Use of electrodes with dissimilar metal may cause excessive or
accelerated electrode polarization.
False low heart rate indicators or false asystole calls may
result with certain pacemakers because of electrical
overshoots.
An artificial pacemaker spike is displayed in place of the actual
pacemaker spike. All pacemaker spikes appear uniform. Do not
diagnostically interpret pacemaker spike and shape.
Lethal Arrhythmia alarms are not displayed if disabled by user
or if a lethal arrhythmia is present during the learning phase. To
display Lethal Arrhythmias, ensure that a normal rhythm is
present when the learning phase is active.
9-4 Dash 2500 Patient Monitor 2042480-001 C