PULSE

OXIMETRY

What is Pulse Oximetry?

is one of the most essential
monitors for routine use in
anesthesia and intensive care.
is a noninvasive monitoring
technique used to estimate the
measurement of arterial oxygen
saturation (Sao2) of hemoglobin.

What does it measure ?

 It measures the O2
saturation of Hb in arterial
blood;
It measures the heart rate;
gives an idea about tissue
perfusion by pulse wave
form.

 Oxygen saturation is an indicator

of the percentage of hemoglobin
saturated with oxygen at the
time of the measurement .
The reading, obtained through
pulse oximetry, uses a light
sensor containing two sources of
light (red and infrared ) that are
absorbed by hemoglobin and
transmitted through tissues to a
photodetector.

w Does a Pulse Oximeter Work

The infrared light is absorbed by
the oxyhemoglobin ,and the red
light is absorbed by the reduced
hemoglobin.
The amount and type of light
transmitted through the tissue is
converted to a digital value
representing the percentage of
hemoglobin saturated with
oxygen.

Normal oxygen
saturation values
are 97% to 99%

Equipment
Oxygen saturation meter and
monitor,
Oxygen saturation cable and
sensor.

What does a Pulse Oximeter tell

you?
A Pulse Oximeter can detect hypoxia
(too little oxygen to fulfill the needs
of the brain and body) before a
patient shows signs of becoming
cyanotic (bluish discoloration of the
skin and mucous membranes due to
not enough oxygen in the blood).

Pulse Oximeters may be used in

patients:
Undergoing surgical procedure under
general anesthesia.
Undergoing surgical procedure under
conscious sedation.
Emergency situations like loss of
consciousness, trauma etc.
After surgery during the recovery phase.
Monitoring the blood oxygen saturation in
various aviation situations.
Sport applications e.g. mountaineering.

Patient assessment
Assess signs and symptoms of decreased ability
to oxygenate to determine the need for
continuous pulse oximetry monitoring:
Cyanosis
Dyspnea
Tachypnea
Decreased level of consciousness
Increased work of breathing
Loss of protective airway
Agitation
Confusion
Disorientation
Tachycardia
Bradypnea

Patient preparation
Explain the need for determination of oxygen
saturation with a pulse oximeter to inform
the patient of the purpose of monitoring and
to enhance patient cooperation and decrease
patient anxiety
Explain that the value displayed may vary by
patient movement, amount of environmental
light, patient level of consciousness ( awake
or a sleep), and position of the sensor to
decrease patient and family anxiety over the
constant variability of the values

Procedure

1. Digit approach
This is the preferred method. The transmission probe is placed on
the end of a digit, usually the finger, with the emitter on one side
and the sensor on the opposite side (see image below). The digit
should be resting comfortably and out of excessive light. The
probe is then connected to the monitoring unit.
Excessive debris should be
removed prior to probe
attachment, as well as any nail
polish or artificial nails.

2. Ear approach
A transmission probe is placed on the
end of an ear lobe with the emitter on
one side and the sensor on the
opposite side (see image below). The
probe is then connected to the
monitoring unit.

3. Palm/foot approach in neonates

In neonates, in whom the digit or ear may
be too small, a transmission probe may
be placed over the palm or foot. The
probe is then connected to the
monitoring unit.

4. Forehead approach
A reflectance probe should be placed low across
the forehead right above the eyebrows and away
from a major vessel (see image below). The
patient should be resting in an inclined position. A
headband around the probe and across the
forehead should also be placed. The probe is then
connected to the monitoring unit.