Pulse Oximetry Flashcards
1
Q
What does pulse oximetry measure?
A
Arterial blood oxygen saturation
2
Q
How does pulse oximetry work?
A
A light is shone from a source, passes through the finger and is detected on the other side
Saturated and unsaturated haemoglobin absorb different amounts of light to give a reading
3
Q
What % of blood oxygenation is adequate?
A
Above 92%
Anything below 90% is called hypoxaemia
4
Q
What are the issues with pulse oximetry (4)
A
Affected by: bruising, nail varnish, clubbing of fingers and nicotine stains
5
Q
What conditions is pulse oximetry not accurate for?
A
If they have anaemia, low blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease
