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Questions and Answers
What is the primary measurement provided by oximetry?
What is the primary measurement provided by oximetry?
Which of the following conditions could make oximetry readings unreliable?
Which of the following conditions could make oximetry readings unreliable?
Which sites are appropriate for placing an oximetry sensor?
Which sites are appropriate for placing an oximetry sensor?
What is considered a normal SpO2 range for a healthy patient?
What is considered a normal SpO2 range for a healthy patient?
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What nursing consideration should be taken if the sensor site shows an absent or weak signal?
What nursing consideration should be taken if the sensor site shows an absent or weak signal?
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Study Notes
Oximetry
- Non-invasive method for measuring arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) in blood.
- Utilizes a sensor or probe that emits red and infrared light to assess oxygen levels.
- Oxygen saturation levels are determined by absorption rates of the emitted light—non-oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light, while oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light.
- Suitable sensor application sites include fingers, toes, feet (for infants), earlobes, foreheads, and bridges of the nose.
- Normal oxygen saturation range is 95% to 100%; for chronic lung disease patients, 88% to 92% may be acceptable.
- Readings may be unreliable during vasoconstriction, the use of IV dyes, shock, cardiac arrest, or severe anemia.
Nursing Considerations
- Evaluate health conditions that could affect oxygenation.
- Monitor respiratory rate, depth, mental status, skin temperature, and color.
- Assess the quality of the pulse at the site proximal to the sensor.
- Check for edema at the sensor application site.
- If there is an absent or weak signal, verify vital signs, patient condition, connections, and circulation to the site.
- In case of cold extremities, warm them up with a blanket or choose an alternate site for the sensor.
- Bright lighting conditions (sunlight or fluorescent) can disrupt sensor functionality; use dry washcloth to cover the probe if necessary.
- Excessive movement at the sensor site, such as tremors or shivering, can lead to inaccurate readings.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the principles and considerations of oximetry in nursing practice. It explores non-invasive techniques for measuring arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation and important nursing assessments related to oxygenation. Understand how to evaluate patient conditions and factors affecting oxygen readings.
