unit 8 - monitor peripheral oxygen saturation

Explain the term ‘oxygen saturation’

Oxygen saturation is a measure of how much hemoglobin is currently bound to oxygen compared to how much hemoglobin remains unbound

Purpose of monitoring peripheral oxygen saturation

• Oxygen is essential for cells to function

• Monitoring oxygen saturation can assist by assessing organ function and the need for oxygen therapy

Range of healthy for Spo2

95-100%

Range of low Spo2

90-94%

Range of dangerously low Spo2

Below 90%

How does oximeter measure blood oxygen level

What is cyanosis

Blueish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes

What is dyspnoea

Shortness of breath. Is often described as an intense tightening in the chest , air hunger, difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation

What is hypoxia

Oxygen not available at the tissue level to maintain adequate homeostasis

4 factors affecting monitoring of peripheral oxygen saturation

• Skin condition

  (Pigmentation, thickness, temperature)

• Placement of oximeter

• Poor circulation

• Use of finger nails polish

Consideration for client on continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation

• It is also essential to monitor the location of the probe for changes in the skain condition, such as blisters or damaged to the nail bed

• Elderly patients with fragile skin & patients with burns require the probe to be repositioned every two - four hours