Unit 16: Pulse Oximetry Flashcards
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A device that measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound with gas.
What is a normal level of blood oximetry?
96%-100% in non-smokers
Abnormal Blood oximetry: Hypoxia
90%-94%
insufficient oxygen reaching the cells
Abnormal Blood oximetry: moderate Hypoxia
85%-90%
Abnormal Blood Oximetry: critical hypoxia
<85%
Limitations of the Oximeter: what tissues and cells can it test?
It can only read oxygen levels in the blood, not oxygen levels in any other cells.
Limitations of the oximeter: can someone in respiratory distress read within the normal range?
yes, continue to test and treat.
Oximeter: Primary uses
It’s used to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. changes in patients conditions
Limitations of the Oximeter: Carbon Monoxide poisoning
hemoglobin binds with CO1, so you can still get a reading within an acceptable range.
Limitations of the Oximeter: Hypothermia
reduced circulation means that there won’t necessarily be enough blood in the fingers to obtain a reading.
Limitations of the Blood Oximeter: Shock
Shock causes inadequate blood profusion, so there won’t be enough blood in the extremities to get a reading.
Limitations of the blood Oximeter: Cardiac arrest
Limits blood profusion.
Pulse Oximetry is measured in?
SPO2
What can cause poor SPO2 levels?
asthma, bronchitis, Emphysema, pneumonia, poor circulation, heart disease, infections, smoking, drugs, medications, exposure to cold and shock
How does a pulse oximeter work?
It uses a red laser to detect the shade of the arterial blood. The shade of blood is different depending on how much oxygen is present.
