Telemetry
Formal Definition
Continuous remote cardiac monitoring via wireless ECG electrodes transmitting real-time rhythm data to a central monitoring station, allowing detection of arrhythmias without confining the patient to a bedside monitor.
How It's Used on the Ward
"On tele" or "put her on tele" — a step above a regular floor bed. Patients on telemetry are watched for arrhythmias around the clock.
Example
""New AF with RVR caught at 2am on tele: patient asymptomatic, rate 140s. Overnight resident called, rate-controlled with IV metoprolol, cardiology notified in the morning. Without tele, nobody would have known until rounds.""
Clinical Context
Telemetry beds are a limited resource — not every floor has them, and hospitals have explicit criteria for who qualifies. Indications include: new or unstable arrhythmia, recent cardiac procedure, syncope workup, high-risk medication initiation (QTc-prolonging drugs, antiarrhythmics). Ordering tele without indication wastes a monitored bed and generates alarm fatigue. When the clinical need resolves, downgrade to a regular floor bed.