Vital Signs (Oxygen Saturation)

Question 1

Whenever you check someone’s O2 or Sp02, what are you checking?

Answer 1

You’re checking the oxygen saturation level of their blood.

Question 2

If someone has a low 02 or Sp02 level, then what does that mean?

Answer 2

They have hypoxemia. Their red blood cells aren’t getting enough oxygen.

Question 3

How is oxygen saturation measured?

Answer 3

A pulse oximetry device.

Question 4

Your patient has an Sp02 of 100%. Is this normal?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

Your patient has an Sp02 of 80%. Is this normal?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Your patient has an Sp02 of 70%. Is this normal?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

Your patient has an Sp02 of 93%. Is this normal?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What does the maximum normal Sp02 level look like?

Answer 8

100%

Question 9

What does the minimum normal Sp02 level look like?

Answer 9

95%

Question 10

Your client’s red blood cells aren’t receiving enough oxygen. What does this mean?

Answer 10

Your client has hypoxemia.

Question 11

What is hemoglobin and what is it’s function?

Answer 11

Hemoglobin is a protein contained in red blood cells and is responsible for holding the oxygen within them.

Question 12

If you have a low hemoglobin level, then what does that mean?

Answer 12

You have hypoxemia

Question 13

Your patient has an Sp02 of 96%. Is this normal?

Answer 13

Yes