Clinical Skills: Pulse oximetry
Hello. This video covers how to do pulse oximetry, also called SP O2 monitoring.
Normally you do everything on this list but to keep things concise, this video will focus on the steps in blue and will also cover special populations like infants and Children frequently ask questions and include a summary.
Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive easy way to measure the amount of peripheral oxygenated hemoglobin also called S AO two in patients who are hypoxic or have pulmonary problems that may affect their gas exchange.
Here's all the equipment you'll need a pulse oximeter probe which is just an led sensor attached to a cable and a pulse oximeter check the patient's skin integrity, capillary refill and skin temperature.
If the skin is cold, if the capillary refill is long or the skin is edematous or damp. Choose another site.
In a lot of cases, SP O2 sensors are placed on fingers to get the clearest reading. Make sure that the finger is free of nail polish and never place the sensor on a thumb.
Also don't put the sensor on the same limb as a BP cuff. Otherwise the sensor reading will just be inaccurate whenever the cuff inflates other locations without interference.
Like the forehead bridge of the nose or ear lobe may be a better choice place the sensor on a finger. If you're using an adhesive sensor, make sure that the light source and the photodetector are placed directly opposite to each other.
Plug the sensor into the oximeter and turn it on, listen for audible beeps and check the waveform on the exciter screen.
If not readjust the sensor until it does kids love to move. So place the sensor on their finger or toe, otherwise you might get inaccurate readings, avoid placing the sensor on the forehead or nose.
Children especially neonates have delicate skin and can easily be injured. So remember to protect their skin, check under the skin regularly for breakdown and routinely rotate the sites.
All right. So here's some frequently asked questions about pulse oximetry.
What type of sensor should I use? Adhesive sensors are better for young Children or if you need to place the sensor on an earlobe nose bridge or toe reusable clip.
Sensors are better for adults as it's easier to remove when needed. Where can I put the sensor to get an accurate reading?
In addition to the fingers, probes can go on toes, the bridge of the nose, the forehead or earlobes, pick the location that's most convenient for your patient.
Forehead or ear probes may be best if the reusable clip sensors don't fit the fingers well. Or with patients who have tremors with very small babies.
A sensor around the foot is a great option. What other things can affect the reading readings may be less accurate in patients who are cold because of poor circulation.
The poor circulation can be caused by hypovolemia circulatory compromise or hypothermia.
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