Hospital and Telephone Triage

91 videos, 4 hours and 28 minutes

Course Content

Pulse and pulse oximetry in the medical sector

Video 33 of 91
4 min 58 sec
English
English
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Pulse Oximeter Usage and Interpretation

Introduction

The pulse oximeter is a crucial tool for assessing oxygen saturation and pulse rate.

Important Points:

  • Measures percentage of oxygen attached to haemoglobin.
  • Typically used on patients with respiratory conditions like COPD.

Usage and Procedure

Placement and Procedure:

  • Place the pulse oximeter on the patient's finger.
  • Ensure the finger is clean and free from obstruction.
  • Use any finger except the one used for blood pressure measurement.

Considerations:

  • Ensure the finger is clean and unimpeded by substances like grease or nail varnish.
  • For children, use appropriate-sized probes designed for their age.

Interpretation and Intervention

Readings:

  • Ideal oxygen saturation is 96% or above.
  • If oxygen saturation falls below 88%, it indicates an emergency.

Additional Assessments:

  • Check pulse rate audibly and manually for strength and regularity.
  • Assess capillary refill time by pressing fingernail and observing color change.

Assessment of Capillary Refill

Procedure:

  • Press fingernail down for five seconds.
  • Release and observe time taken for fingernail to return to pink color.

Interpretation:

  • Capillary refill should occur within two seconds.
  • Delayed refill indicates potential circulation problems.

Conclusion

Understanding pulse oximeter readings and additional assessments like capillary refill time is essential for effective patient care and timely intervention.