1. Vital Signs Pulse Oximetry

2. Bellringer Think back to the last time you or a family member went to see a doctor. What vital signs ( temperature, oxygen level, blood pressure, pulse rate, respirations ) did they take? How were these obtained? (with a machine or nurse take manually) How did the caregiver explain the procedure and results?

3. Vital Signs Are our signs of life. They are the indicators that tell how the body is functioning. Normal vital signs (vs) –the body is considered to be in homeostasis. Vital signs include Temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure and pulse oximetry.

4. The pulse oximeter is an electronic device that determines the oxygen (O2 ) concentration in the hemoglobin of the arterial blood. This oximeter has a light beam that passes through the tissue (usually a finger, toe, earlobe, nose, or forehead). O2 content and pulse rate are displayed on the monitor. Pulse Oximetry

5. O2 Concentration O2 Concentration level is documented as SpO2. Normal range is 95-100% on room air. (Room air is 20 % oxygen. When SpO2 level is below 90%,the tissues do not have enough oxygen to funtion. Lack of O2 can lead to brain damage in 4-6 minutes.

6. Possible Causes for Low SpO2 Levels Poor Circulation Cold extremities (blue looking fingers) Dark nail polish/ or Artificial nails Weak pulse Patient is in respiratory distress due to illness or injury. Chronic respiratory patients ( COPD, Lung Cancer, etc.) Cardiac patients (some congenital cardiac defects will have a low SpO2 level as their normal level)

7. Signs of O2 Shortage Rapid and shallow respirations Rapid pulse Restlessness or confusion Cyanosis –bluish discoloration of the skin Hypoxia-deficiency of O2 Lack of O2 can cause brain damage in 4-6 minutes.

8. Treatment for Deficient O2 Level Physician’s order required for administration of O2. Includes method of administration and concentration to be given. May be started in emergency situations and MD notified. A patient with low O2 level needs supplemental oxygen.

9. Summary Vital signs are our signs of life. (Temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation level) O2 level is measured using a pulse oximeter. The SpO2 is the is the oxygen concentration in the hemaglobin of the arterial blood. There are numerous reasons for a low SpO2. Brain Damage can occur with lack of O2 for 4-6 minutes. Supplemental oxygen is the treatment for a patient with low oxygen level.