Pulse Oximetry

Question 1

Pulse oximetry is not a highly valuable form of monitoring…. why

Answer 1

It doesnt always read the actual content of oxygen in the artery (could be reading only capillary blood flow)

Question 2

If an spO2 reading of 90- 92% is accurate, how will your patient present

Answer 2

Cyanotic ( ~ 60 mmHg)

Question 3

During anesthesia, O2 is administered at 100% oxygen (room air= 21%) for this reason the actual content of oxygen in the arteries can reach levels as high as _____ - ______

Answer 3

450-500 mm Hg (its fine if they stop breathing for a few minutes)

Question 4

> 95% spO2 (if accurate)

Answer 4

Normal

Question 5

spO2 90-95% (if accurate)

Answer 5

Desaturation

Question 6

spO2 <85% (if accurate)

Answer 6

Emergency if greater than 30 sec duration

Question 7

5 things that can affect pulse oximetry accuracy

Answer 7

1. Tissue thickness
2. Tissue pigmentation
3. Tissue movement
4. Fluorescent lighting
5. Inadequate perfusion (hypotension vasoconstriction)

Question 8

ET CO2

Answer 8

end tidal CO2

Question 9

Tidal

Answer 9

rhythmic change in a tide

Question 10

Capnography measures….

Answer 10

End tidal CO2