Telemetry in patient monitoring refers to which of the following?

• A. Remote monitoring of vital signs and cardiac rhythms through electronic devices.
• B. In-person bedside checks every hour.
• C. Monitoring only blood pressure with a cuff.
• D. Visual observation of patient from hallway.

Answer: (A)

Telemetry is remote electronic monitoring of a patient’s vital signs and heart rhythms. By attaching sensors and leads, data are continuously collected and transmitted to a central monitor, allowing clinicians to watch trends and receive alarms in real time without being at the bedside. This continuous data stream and alert capability is what sets telemetry apart from intermittent in-person checks, which only provide snapshots, or from simply measuring one parameter with a cuff or visually observing from the hallway. In practice, telemetry supports early detection of changes in heart rhythm or other vital signs, enabling quicker intervention when needed.