Pulse Oximeter

Question 1

When to use a pulse oximeter?

Answer 1

1. All children on admission
2. All very sick children
3. Any child who is deteriorating
4. Any child with respiratory difficulties
5. Any child with cardiac disease

Question 2

How does a pulse oximeter work?

Answer 2

(1) Red and infra-red LEDs in the probe
(2) By recording how much light is absorbed, the pulse ox measures the % of blood bound with oxygen (SpO2)
(3) Normal SpO2 90-100% on room air
NOTE:
- SpO2 is an important COMPONENT of the respiratory assessment.
- When the hand or foot are cold it can be difficult to measure SpO2 correctly

Question 3

How do you ensure device gives accurate results?

Answer 3

1. check waveform
2. HR corresponds to manually counted pulse rate
3. Tissues are well perfused in the
   assessment extremity
4. Saturation is within measurement limit
   of pulse-ox 70-100%

Question 4

How do you get a good pulse wave?

Answer 4

1. choose right probe
2. minimize patient movement
3. use warm and pink extremity
4. avoid strong light
   NOTE: Ensure “neonatal setting” is used on pulse-ox or alarm may sound when HR or SpO2 are in an acceptable range

Question 5

Explain disinfection and infection prevention when pulse oximeter is removed from patient?

Answer 5

clean hands with soap and water or alcohol before and after handling materials that will be used on a patient
1. disinfect probe site on patient and probe
2. always wipe the pulse oximeter with alcohol between patients
3. do not submerge pulse oximeter in alcohol
4. do not put pulse oximeter on any surface
5. do not touch other objects after cleaning hands
6. do not use on another patient without cleaning probe

Question 6

Complications of pulse oximeter?

Answer 6

1. misdiagnosis due to poor trace
2. pressure sores or skin damage
3. patient movement disrupting measurement
4. strong light interference
   Note: if SpO2 is less than 90% the patient should be considered for supplemental oxygen therapy

Question 7

How do you care for your pulse oximeter?

Answer 7

1. Power
   - Make sure your device is charged
   and working before patient rounds
2. Storage
   - Clean, dry secure area
   - Routine place for keeping where it won’t be lost or inaccessible
3. Infection Prevention
   - Alcohol 70%
   - Between uses
   - Daily assigned responsibility
   Note: NEVER submerge cables or
   pulse-ox in alcohol

Question 8

What if your pulse oximeter isnt turning on?

Answer 8

• Held “on” button down 5 seconds
• Check batteries

Question 9

What If the pulse oximeter is turning on but there’s no red light?

Answer 9

Check that the probe is connected properly
Change the probe
Contact maintenance department

Question 10

What if there’s a red light but no trace or
poor trace is showing?

Answer 10

Try to use pulse-oximeter on yourself
- Appropriate HR and SpO2
readings for you ?
- Inappropriate or no HR and SpO2
reading for your?
> Contact Maintenance department

Question 11

How do you establish a reliable saturation reading?

Answer 11

• Is SpO, reading what you expected from clinical condition?
• Do HR reading and manual pulse count agree?
Yes? = document in clinical notes

Question 12

Factors limiting accuracy in pulse oximeter?

Answer 12

1. Nail polish/artificial nails
2. Patients with darker skin
3. Cold temperatures
4. Carboxyhemoglobin/methemoglobin
   - affect colour of blood giving false readings
5. IV meds that dye blood
6. Light pollution