Patient Safety - ZOLL M2 Operator's Manual

Patient Safety

Inappropriate defibrillation or cardioversion of a patient (for example, with no malignant
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arrhythmia) may precipitate ventricular fibrillation, asystole, or other dangerous
arrhythmias.
Defibrillation without proper application of electrodes or paddle electrolyte gel might be
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ineffective and cause burns, particularly when repeated shocks are necessary. Erythema or
hyperemia of the skin under the paddles, or electrodes often occurs; this effect is usually
enhanced along the perimeter of the paddles or electrodes. This reddening should diminish
substantially within 72 hours.
This equipment should be connected to only one patient at a time.
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Adult and pediatric defibrillation energy level settings should be based on site-specific
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clinical protocols.
To ensure patient safety, do not place the ZOLL M2 unit in any position that might cause it
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to fall on the patient.
To ensure patient safety, connect the ZOLL M2 only to equipment with circuits that are
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electrically isolated.
Use only high-quality ECG electrodes. ECG electrodes are for rhythm acquisition only;
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ECG electrodes cannot be used for defibrillation or pacing.
Do not use therapy or ECG electrodes if the gel is dried, separated, torn or split from the
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foil; patient burns may result from using such electrodes. Poor adherence and/or air pockets
under therapy electrodes can cause arcing and skin burns.
Check the expiration date on the electrode packaging. Do not use electrodes after their
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expiration date.
Excessive body hair or wet, diaphoretic skin can inhibit electrode coupling to the skin. Clip
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excess hair and dry any moisture from the area where an electrode is to be attached.
Therapy electrodes should be replaced periodically during continuous pacing. Consult
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electrode directions for proper replacement instructions.
Prolonged pacing (more than 30 minutes), particularly in patients with severely restricted
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blood flow, may cause burns. Periodically inspect the skin under the electrodes.
Carefully route the patient cables away from the patient's neck to reduce the possibility of
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patient entanglement or strangulation.
To avoid electrosurgery burns at monitoring sites, ensure proper connection of the
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electrosurgery return circuit so that a return path cannot be made through monitoring
electrodes or probes.
During electrosurgery, observe the following guidelines to minimize electrosurgery unit
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(ESU) interference and provide maximum operator and patient safety:
Keep all patient monitoring cables away from earth ground, ESU knives, and ESU
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return wires.
Use electrosurgical grounding pads with the largest practical contact area.
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Always ensure proper application of the electrosurgical return electrode to the patient.
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Check electrical leakage levels before use. Leakage current might be excessive if more than
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one monitor or other piece of equipment is connected to the patient.
To avoid risk of electric shock to the patient in an ambulance, the ZOLL M2 unit must only
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be connected to an AC mains outlet that includes a reliable protective earth connection. If no
reliable protective earth connection is available, the ZOLL M2 must be operated via internal
battery only.
9650-000860-01 Rev. C ZOLL M2 Operator's Guide
Warnings
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