Pulse oximetry
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Pulse Oximetry: Monitoring Oxygen Levels
Understanding Pulse Oximetry
Pulse Oxis and SPO2: Devices used to monitor a patient's blood oxygen levels.
Working Principle
Finger Probe: Attaches to a machine and measures oxygen saturation through a nail bed.
Percentage Readings: Provides oxygenation recordings displayed as a percentage.
Interpreting Oxygen Saturation Levels
Normal Range: Ideally, oxygen saturation should be between 94% and 98% for a healthy individual.
Respiratory Disorders: Conditions like COPD may result in oxygenation levels of 88% to 92%.
Considerations: Cold extremities or dark nail varnish can affect accurate readings.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide can falsely indicate 100% oxygenation levels, even in critical cases.
Applying the Pulse Oximeter
Gaining Consent: Obtain informed consent from the patient before placing the probe.
Probe Placement: Choose any finger, unless visibly dirty or with nail varnish, then use the side or pad of the finger.
Pulse Measurement: The pulse oximeter also provides a pulse rate reading; verify its regularity manually.
Limitations: Pulse oximetry is an indicator but not a diagnostic tool; consider other factors in patient assessment.
Special Considerations for Children
Toe Placement: Use the big toe if the probe is too large for the child's fingers.
Paediatric Probes: Alternatively, use paediatric-specific probes for smaller children.
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