Postoperative apnea monitoring
Pronunciation: AP-nee-ah
Continuous respiratory surveillance for high-risk pediatric patients prone to breathing cessation after anesthesia and surgery.
Full Definition
Postoperative apnea monitoring involves continuous cardiorespiratory surveillance of pediatric patients at increased risk for breathing cessation following anesthesia and surgical procedures. High-risk patients include former premature infants (especially those born before 37 weeks gestational age), infants under 60 weeks postconceptional age, children with history of apnea or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and those receiving opioid medications. Monitoring typically includes continuous pulse oximetry, capnography when available, and respiratory impedance monitoring. Duration of monitoring varies by risk factors, with former preterm infants often requiring 12-24 hours of observation. Early detection allows prompt intervention to prevent hypoxemia and respiratory arrest.
Usage
Usage note: Specify duration and type of monitoring; document risk factors justifying monitoring.
In Context
- "The former 32-week premature infant required postoperative apnea monitoring for 24 hours following hernia repair." — Postoperative orders
- "Given the history of apnea of prematurity, we initiated postoperative apnea monitoring with continuous pulse oximetry." — Recovery room note