Pulse Oximetry

What is a Pulse Oximeter? A device that provides a non-invasive (does not break the patient ’ s skin or body openings) method of allowing the monitoring of the amount of oxygen of a patient's hemoglobin.

What does Pulse Oximetry do? Allows for further assessment of a patient ’ s respiratory status. Let ’ s the evaluator know how much oxygen is flowing in a patient ’ s blood. Is an indicator that a patient may be suffering forma more serious condition involving the cardiac and/or respiratory systems.

When do I Use a Pulse Oximeter? Patient has complaints of shortness of breath (SOB). When the patient has signs and symptoms of hypoxia. Patient exhibits signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction. Patient has a disease/disorder involving the respiratory system (i.e., asthma). Patient has an order to wear an oxygen appliance.

When do I Use a Pulse Oximeter? When a patient is recovering form a surgery requiring general anesthesia. Whenever the physician orders it.

How Do I Use a Pulse Oximeter? 1. Wash your hands! 2. Take off any nail polish. The pulse oximetry does not work as effectively if placed on a finger with nail polish. 3. Place the device on a finger. There are different types of finger probes. Some wrap around the finger. It’s important the finger comes in contact with the sensor which is usually indicted by a red light. The index finger or ring finger usually work best.

3. Stay still and wait for a reading. Moving your hand, fingers or arm will interfere with getting an accurate reading. Rest your arm on something firm to prevent it from moving. Remain still until a number appears on the device. 4. Be patient. The sensor may take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute to determine a reading. Some devices will have a green light flashing which indicates the sensor is working and will give a readout. If the light is flashing red it may indicate the device cannot get a reading. How Do I Use a Pulse Oximeter?

5. Understand results. The amount of oxygen in the blood is given in a percentage. For example, if the reading is 100 percent your blood is saturated with oxygen at 100 percent which is as high as it can get. Most people who are healthy will have a reading of 90 percent or greater.healthy 6. Document your findings on the Patient Contact Sheet. How Do I Use a Pulse Oximeter?

What Reading Should I Get? Most people who are healthy will have a reading of 90 percent or greater.healthy

Importance as an assessment tool? Helps to monitor oxygen levels in patients receiving O2 therapy. Let ’ s medical staff know if O2 prescribed is not enough to relieve the patient ’ s symptoms. Let ’ s the medical staff know when O2 levels are reached/maintained.

Importance as an assessment tool? Let ’ s the medical staff know if the patient ’ s O2 level drops when the patient performs activities.

Limitations of Use of the Pulse Oximeter? The pulse oximeter is only one tool that helps in the assessment of a patient ’ s respiratory status. Nail polish will alter the readings. Will not get accurate results in patients with peripheral artery disease (poor circulation in the extremities).

Limitations of Use of the Pulse Oximeter? The monitor must be checked regularly to ensure it is working properly. If it is not checked regularly, results may not be accurate!!!!

Questions??