What device is commonly used to monitor heart rhythms?

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial device in cardiopulmonary care, designed specifically to monitor heart rhythms. It works by recording the electrical activity of the heart, providing detailed representations of heartbeats over time, which allows healthcare providers to identify irregularities such as arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and other cardiac conditions. By interpreting the electrical signals, clinicians can assess heart health, monitor treatment outcomes, and guide further management decisions.

In contrast, other devices mentioned serve different purposes: a glucose meter measures blood sugar levels, a pulse oximeter monitors oxygen saturation in the blood, and a tonometer measures intraocular pressure in the eyes. Each of these devices is important in their own right but does not provide information specifically about heart rhythms. Thus, the ECG stands out as the primary tool for this purpose.