Pulse Oximetry

• A pulse oximeter should not be used as a predictive indicator of the actual arterial blood gas saturation
• A pulse oximeter should never be used during a cardiac arrest situation because of
• - The extreme limitations of blood flow
• during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• - The pharmacological action of
• vasoactive agents administered during
• the resuscitation effort

Equipment

• Oxygen saturation meter and monitor,
• Oxygen saturation cable and sensor,
• Manufacturer's recommended germicidal agent for cleaning the non- disposable sensor (used for cleaning between patients).

Patient assessment

• Assess signs and symptoms of decreased ability to oxygenate to determine the need for continuous pulse oximetry monitoring. Anticipation of conditions in which hypoxia could be present allows earlier intervention before unfavorable outcomes occur
• Cyanosis
• Dyspnea
• Tachypnea
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Increased work of breathing
• Loss of protective airway
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Tachycardia
• Bradypnea