title: Pulse oximetry: what the nurse needs to know.
abstract: Rationale and key points Measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) is used to identify early hypoxia in patients and evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Nurses should be aware of the procedure for using a pulse oximeter to measure SpO2levels and the normal range for SpO2readings. » A pulse oximeter is used to measure SpO2levels, and involves placing a probe on the patient's finger, toe or ear lobe. » A SpO2level of less than 90% is a clinical emergency. If the SpO2level is below 94%, the nurse should assume the patient is hypoxic until proven otherwise, and therefore they may require supplemental oxygen administration. » Nurses should be aware of the factors that might affect SpO2readings, including anaemia, peripheral vasoconstriction, dark skin tone and skin discolouration.
authors.affiliation: Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Myatt
keywords: hypoxia; oxygen saturation; oxygen therapy; pulse oximetry; respiratory assessment