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Detailed Needs and Requirements: Cardio-Pulmonary Unit
6. Electrocardiographic Laboratory
This laboratory provides facilities for studies of the function of the heart
through external measurement and graphic recording of the electrical
impulses generated by the heart as it works, e.g., electrocardiography
and vectocardiography. Studies involving measurement and graphic
recording of the sounds produced by the working heart also may be
conducted in this lab, e.g., phonocardiography.
These studies may be conducted while the patient is at rest and during
or after specifically defined and measured exercise periods.
Therefore, in addition to the electrocardiography or
phonocardiographic equipment, space and facilities are required for
exercise equipment and for the patient to sit or lie down during tests.
The E.C.G. lab, like the pulmonary function lab, may have a significant
outpatient load and should be provided with access to outpatient
reception and waiting areas on the unit.
Several patients may undergo tests simultaneously in the E.C.G. lab.
Acoustic and visual separation between theses patients would be
desirable but is secondary in importance to adequate staff observation
and emergency treatment procedures.
In some cases it may be desirable to provide electrocardiographic and
pulmonary function facilities in one laboratory. This would allow for
monitoring of heart function during pulmonary procedures without
duplication of E.C.G. facilities. It would allow for joint use of such
equipment as treadmill or bicycle exercise machines.
7. Offices
a. Physicians' Offices. Offices for physicians directly involved with the
cardio-pulmonary unit may be required. These offices should allow
for a normal range of office activities, including examining x-rays. It
is desirable to provide outside exposure for these offices.
b. Residents Offices. Offices similar to those for physicians may be
required for residents on the unit. Due to variability in the number
of residents on the unit at any one time, some flexibility may be
necessary in the assignment of these offices, e.g., certain offices
will accommodate two residents.
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