Pulse Oximetry Flashcards
What are the 2 phases of respiration?
- oxygenation - oxygen added to RBCs and plasma then into the cells
- ventilation - removal of carbon dioxide
What is pulse oximetry? What 2 things does it establish? When is it not considered safe?
non-invasive and continuous measurement of RBC saturation with oxygen - SpO2
- pulse presence
- oxygenation adequacy
long surgeries, MRI
What is arterial blood gas analysis? What does it establish? What does it not give information on?
invasive and intermittent measurement of RBC saturation with oxygen - PaO2, SaO2
respiration adequacy - oxygenation, ventilation
cardiac output
What oxygen content variables are typically measured?
- SaO2
- SpO2
- PaO2
oxygen content = (Hb x 1.34 x SaO2) + (PaO2 x .003)
What is the differences between SaO2, SpO2, and PaO2?
SaO2 and SpO2 are both measurements of hemoglobin’s saturation with oxygen - SaO2 is obtained through analysis of an arterial blood sample and SpO2 is obtained indirectly through pulse ox
PaO2 is the partial pressure of oxygen dissolved in plasma, related to the saturation of hemoglobin through the dissociation curve
What are the 2 forms of blood oxygen?
- on hemoglobin
- in plasma
How does pH affect oxygen dissociation from hemoglobin?
alkaline = increased oxygen affinity for Hb = high saturation
acid = decreased oxygen affinity for Hb = low saturation
What is the relationship between PaO2 and oxygen saturation?
sigmoid - plateaus at a PaO2 of 60-100 mmHg, which is where a rise in O2 in blood provides only a small increase in the extent to where Hb is bound to O2 molecules
What is the largest limitation of pulse oximetry?
insensitive - when SaO2 is greater than 90% PaO2 there is a highly variable reading
- steep part of the curve provides most correlation between PaO2 and SaO2
What is the difference between hypoxemia and hypoxia?
HYPOXEMIA = blood partial pressure or tension of oxygen below normal, PaO2 < 80-100 mmHg and SaO 80-85%
HYPOXIA = failure of oxygenation of tissues
What are the 5 classic causes of hypoxemia?
- low FiO2
- high CO2
- increased diffusion barrier
- ventilation/perfusion mismatch
- shunt
How does pulse oximetry work?
light-emitting diode emits red and infrared light at specific wavelengths through a vascular bed, where the percentage of oxyHb are determined by ratio of infrared and red light transmitted
What are 5 advantages to pulse oximetry?
- continuous estimation of oxygen saturation of Hb (SpO2)
- noninvasive
- required nor calibration
- portable monitors
- identified and evaluated pulse rates (HR!)
What 6 factors affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings?
- dyshemoglobinemias and temperature changes cause curve shifting left and right
- hyperbilirubinemia
- poor perfusion
- motion
- ambient light
- skin pigmentation
What are the normal values for SpO2?
- on 100% oxygen (intubated) = >95-97%, due to technical error >93% is accepted
- on 20% oxygen (room air) = >85% expected, >90% ideal
What are 3 non-pathologic causes of mildly decreased SpO2 levels?
- recumbency
- tracheal tube insertion length with increased dead space
- upper airway issues (brachycephalics)
What are 3 hypoxia differentials?
- hypoxemia hypoxia: low FiO2, high CO2, low barometric pressure, diffusion issues, V/Q mismatch, shunting
- circulatory hypoxia: decreased CO
- anemic hypoxia: low PCV (very low)
What should be done first if a low pulse ox reading is established?
- INTUBATED = technical vs. non-respiratory
- NOT INTUBATED = true hypoxia
TACHYCARDIC or TACHYPNEIC = true hypoxia
NOT = technical vs. non-respiratory
What are rule outs for the 5 causes of true hypoxemia?
- low FiO2 - oxygen not getting to patient, ET tube needed, clogged ET tube or malpositioned
- high CO2 - hypoventilation, too deep, ET tube issues, sodasorb usage
- diffusion problems - too much fluids, inflammation
- V/Q mismatch - recumbency, atelectasis
- shunt - large portion of lungs not working well
What are some technical reasons for low pulse oximetry readings?
- probe slipping (site is wet)
- ambient light
- too much overhead light
- pigmented skin
- probe compressing vessels = been in one place too long
What are some non-respiratory reasons for low pulse oximetry readings?
- hypothermia
- vasoconstriction
- poor perfusion due to deep planes of anesthesia or loss of sympathetic tone
How can inconsistent pulse waves and signal issues be fixed?
- move probe
- warm patient and probe site
- perfusion issue: check BP, volume status, albumin, and pressor use
How can low oxygenation readings be fixed?
- move probe
- check oxygen supply and flow meter
- confirm ET tube patency
- treat overhydration
- alter recumbency
- check ventilation
- anything affecting cheat - pneumothorax