Purpose
Therapeutic monitoring represents the careful observation of vital functions through periodic or continuous evaluation, by following physiological parameters through fast, frequent and reproducible measurements.
Monitoring means increased vigilance, but the multitude of technological systems at our disposal can also create a false sense of security.
Surveillance is not an end in itself, but is only the first link in a decision-making chain in which the unwanted changes that occur in a patient are detected, interpreted and corrected. Monitoring alone cannot prevent the unfavorable evolution of a patient, but can only generate the appropriate response to the noticed changes.
The purpose of the monitoring is to recognize and evaluate the changes that have occurred in order to institute a prompt and appropriate therapy, to correct them.
Initially, the monitoring referred exclusively to the assessment of the depth of anesthesia. Subsequently, the anesthetist's responsibilities have expanded significantly, monitoring now including all the complex interrelationships that exist between the anesthetist, the patient and the equipment used ("eternal triangle"), both for the peri-anesthetic period and for the postoperative period.
These interrelationships include: monitoring the proper functioning of anesthesia equipment, monitoring the effects of anesthetic drugs and the depth of anesthesia; monitoring and control of vital functions; ensuring pre-, intra- and postoperative care of the patient.