1. Saturation monitoring Training for parents and carers
Carer skills passport
Saturation monitoring Training for parents and carers
Jenny Bayliss Specialist Nurse

2. Aims To understand what a saturation monitor is for
To understand when a saturation monitor is needed
To know how to use a saturation monitor
To know how to look after and clean a saturation monitor

3. Saturation Monitoring – what does it mean?
Checking the amount of oxygen in your child's blood by using a sensor
The sensor rests on the surface of the skin and a light shines onto the skin – from this we can tell how much oxygen is in the blood

4. Different names Saturation monitors are also known as: Sats monitor
Oxygen saturation monitor
Pulse oximeter
And can be written as SAO2
They mean the same thing

5. What does it look like ?

6. but different variations

8. Different cables and sensors

11. What do the numbers mean?
Normal oxygen levels in the blood are %
In long term conditions these usual oxygen levels can be much lower – we are all different!
Look at the care plan and get to know the child

12. Look at the child Holistic approach
What does the monitor say and how does she look?
Are the readings usual for her?
Are they flashing on and off?
Is it alarming?
Is the probe on right?
Is she moving around?
Is she cold?
Is she unwell?

13. Holistic approach How does she look?
Is she a good colour? Her cheeks? Her lips?
Is she smiling or crying?
Happy or sad?

14. Is she trying to tell you something? What is her environment like?
Is she somewhere new?
Is she too hot or too cold?
Are her clothes rubbing her?
Is she uncomfortable?
Is she bored?
Is it too noisy?
Is she unwell?

15. Words you may hear
Well perfused
Cyanosis

16. Using the Saturation Monitor
Probe positioned well with the light opposite the probe
Probe not too tight
Allow the probe to settle for five minutes
Ensure the pulse wave corresponds with your child’s usual pulse range
Reposition the probe every 1-4 hours
The saturation monitor needs to be calibrated and maintained

17. What effects the results?
Temperature of the skin and circulation
Nail varnish
Soiling to the area
Movement and positional changes

18. If in doubt
Get help
Know their careplan – do they need oxygen or suction?
A second opinion/advice
Know your limitations
Act on your instincts
Don’t just leave it!

19. Any questions?

20. Practical Putting the saturation machine together
Setting the ranges and alarms
Changing the volume and mute
Care of the saturation machine
Common trouble shooting areas