Pulse Oximetry

• It is the standard for patients with respiratory conditions
• Limitations
  • Carbon monoxide Poisoning
    • the pulse oximeter reads carboxyhemoglobin the same as oxyhemoglobin
  • The reading will be inaccurate if the patient has just smoked within the last few hours
  • It may not accurately reflect tissue oxygenation if patient is severely anemic
  • The oximeter reading is a percentage of hemoglobin saturated
    • the reading may be lower if the patient has poor peripheral perfusion or
      cool extremities
    • nail polish, artfiicial nails, or skin pigmentation may give an inaccurate reading