Hospital Equipment Guide

IV pump

Delivers fluids or medications. Alarms usually mean air, occlusion, or empty bag — not an emergency.

Telemetry

Wireless heart monitor. Loose leads cause most alarms.

Pulse oximeter

Clip on your finger measuring oxygen. Cold hands or nail polish can cause false lows.

Foley catheter

Drains urine. Ask daily if it can be removed — earlier removal reduces infection risk.

Sequential compression devices (SCDs)

Leg wraps that inflate and deflate to prevent blood clots. Wear them whenever you're in bed.