The use of a cardiac monitor during neonatal resuscitation is indicated when the heart rate cannot be accurately assessed by auscultation or palpation, or when a more precise and continuous heart rate assessment is needed. Accurate heart rate determination is crucial for guiding appropriate interventions during neonatal resuscitation, and a cardiac monitor provides this capability. The application of electrodes allows for a visual display of the heart rate and rhythm, offering more reliable data than manual methods, especially in challenging circumstances.
Implementing cardiac monitoring in neonatal resuscitation enhances the precision of interventions and enables timely adjustments to the resuscitation strategy. Continuous display of the heart rate facilitates the identification of bradycardia or other arrhythmias, which prompt specific actions according to established resuscitation protocols. Historically, reliance on auscultation or palpation alone may have led to delayed or inaccurate assessments, potentially impacting outcomes. Electronic monitoring offers a more objective and consistent method for evaluating the infant’s response to resuscitation efforts.