Vital Signs & Medical Gases

Question 1

Respiration rate

Answer 1

Breaths per minute
Normal range: 12-20
Safe range: 10-40

Question 2

Oxygen saturations (SpO2)

Answer 2

Oxygen sats monitor (pulse oximetry)
Normal ranges: >94%
COPD: 88-92%

Question 3

Indications of SpO2

Answer 3

Can display the severity of an illness
Early warning for deterioration
Feedback about oxygen treatment
Detects pulse in fractured limbs

Question 4

Limitations of SpO2

Answer 4

Excessive motion
Poor perfusion
Low blood pressure

Question 5

Capnography

Answer 5

Measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in the respiratory system
Normal ranges:
Airway - 35-45 mmHg
Arterial PaCO2- 38-45 mmHg