Pros and Cons of Pulse Oximeter

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Pros and Cons of Pulse Oximeter The pulse oximetry, or pulse ox, is a frequently used, noninvasive monitoring device which is used to assess arterial blood oxygenation. More specifically the pulse ox is used to provide estimates of arterial blood oxyhemoglobin levels, which is abbreviated as SpO2 so it is not confused with SaO2 which is obtained by hemoximetry. “Physicians, registered nurses, and respiratory therapist are responsible for being able to provide an accurate interpretation of the pulse oximeter data as part of the evaluation and management of acutely or critically ill patients” (Attin, M). The medical professionals who make use of this device are vase. This is the only device in recent history that health care has taken to so quickly. With this widespread use also comes a widespread misconception regarding its limitations and appropriate usage. “In addition, the true benefit of pulse oximetry related to patient outcomes is unknown” (Egan). The pulse oximeter usually uses two wavelengths, one red and one infrared, thus making it noninvasive. “The pulse oximeter measures transmission through living tissue, such as a finger or earlobe, or reflectance through the skin surface” (Egan). The pulse ox is useful to use to monitor the adequacy of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation; to quantify the response of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation to therapeutic intervention or to diagnostic procedures, such as bronchoscopy; and to comply with mandated regulations or recommendations by authoritative groups. It gives a fast noninvasive reading so that the healthcare workers are able to monitor that the patient’s oxygen levels are staying above 92%. However, the device can cause a false-negative in results for hypoxemia, or false positive results for normoxemia or hyperoxemia could lead to inappropriate treatment of patients. Also there

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