How often should a nurse assess a patient who is on continuous ECG monitoring?

Patients who are placed on continuous ECG monitoring require constant observation to ensure any changes in their cardiac rhythm or condition are detected and addressed immediately. Continuous monitoring allows healthcare providers to promptly identify any arrhythmias, ischemic changes, or other critical cardiac events that could threaten a patient's stability.

The nature of continuous monitoring means that the data is being constantly analyzed, and alarms can alert staff to any concerning changes in real-time. This would not be the case with periodic assessments, which could lead to delays in intervention. Therefore, the requirement for continuous observation reflects the need for immediate response capabilities in high-risk patients, ensuring optimal patient safety and care.