What role does telemetry play in cardiac monitoring?

Telemetry plays a critical role in cardiac monitoring by continuously recording the heart’s electrical activity, which allows healthcare providers to identify irregularities such as arrhythmias or other cardiac conditions. This real-time monitoring enables immediate assessment and intervention if there are significant changes in the patient’s heart rhythm, enhancing patient safety and outcomes.

The process involves using sensors placed on the patient's skin that transmit data to a central monitoring station. This allows for constant observation without the need for direct, physical connection to each patient, facilitating efficient care in a hospital setting.

Other options such as performing heart surgery, decreasing heart rate, or administering medications do not align with the function of telemetry in cardiac care, as these tasks require different tools and actions beyond monitoring heart activity.