After starting TCP, what is essential to monitor?

Monitoring electrical and mechanical capture after starting Transcutaneous Pacing (TCP) is crucial because it ensures that the pacemaker is effectively stimulating the heart. Electrical capture indicates that the pacing impulse is successfully causing depolarization of the heart muscle, while mechanical capture means that the contraction is strong enough to produce a palpable pulse. This dual monitoring is essential to confirm that the pacing is not only occurring but also resulting in effective cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs. Without checking for electrical and mechanical capture, there is a risk of mismanagement in patients who may not be responding appropriately to the pacing, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.

In contrast, while monitoring the patient's temperature, blood glucose, and heart rate variability can provide valuable information about the patient's overall condition, they do not directly assess the efficacy of the pacing intervention like monitoring capture does.