5.3 Pulse Oximetry

Oxygen saturation, sometimes referred to as ‘‘the fifth vital sign,” should be checked by pulse oximetry in all breathless and acutely ill patients (O’Driscoll et al., 2008). SpO₂ and the inspired oxygen concentration should be recorded on the observation chart together with the oximetry result. The other vital signs of pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate should also be recorded in situations where supplemental oxygen is required.

Pulse oximetry is a painless, non-invasive method to monitor SpO₂ intermittently and continuously. The use of a pulse oximeter is indicated in patients who have, or are at risk for, impaired gaseous exchange or an unstable oxygen status.

The pulse oximeter is a probe with a light-emitting diode (LED) that is attached to the patient’s finger, forehead, or ear. Beams of red and infrared light are emitted from the LED, and the light wavelengths are absorbed differently by the oxygenated and the deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hgb) molecules. The receiving sensor measures the amount of light absorbed by the oxygenated and deoxygenated Hgb in the arterial (pulsatile) blood. The more Hgb that is saturated with oxygen, the higher the SpO₂, which should normally measure above 95%.

Pulse oximeters have an indicator of signal strength (such as a bar graph, audible tone, waveform, or flashing light) to show how strong the receiving signal is. Measurements should be considered inaccurate if the signal strength is poor.

Pulse oximeters will also indicate heart rate by counting the number of pulsatile signals. To ensure accuracy, count the patient’s pulse rate by taking the pulse and comparing it to the pulse rate shown on the pulse oximeter.

Limitations

The most common cause of inaccuracy with pulse oximeters is motion artifact. Patient movement can cause pulsatile venous flow to be incorrectly measured as arterial pulsations, thus producing an inaccurate oximetry and pulse-rate reading.

Other causes for inaccuracy include some nail varnishes (nail polish), pigments (henna), bright lights (fluorescents), and poor peripheral perfusion. Poor peripheral perfusion can be caused by conditions such as hypothermia, peripheral vascular disease, vasoconstriction, hypotension, or peripheral edema (Perry et al., 2014; World Health Organization, 2011 ). A forehead probe can be used for patients with decreased peripheral perfusion.

Conditions such as jaundice, as well as intravascular dyes and carbon monoxide in the blood, can also influence oximetry readings. Anemic patients with low Hgb may have a normal SpO₂ reading, even though the available oxygen is not enough to meet the metabolic demands of the body. Patients with elevated bilirubin concentrations may also have falsely low SpO₂ readings (Howell, 2002).

Application of Pulse Oximetry

If measuring SpO₂ by attaching the probe to a finger or toe, check the radial or pedal pulse and capillary refill of the finger or toe you plan to use. If the patient’s extremities are cold, you could try to warm his or her hands in yours, or apply warm towels to improve perfusion.

The patient’s finger or toe should be clean and dry. Check that the patient does not have artificial nails or nail polish, as both will influence the light transmission and should, therefore, be removed before applying pulse oximetry.

Check that the probe is positioned properly so that optical shunting (when light from the transmitter passes directly into the receiver without going through the finger) does not occur.

Bright ambient light may also affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings.

Hazards of Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is generally considered to be a safe procedure. However, tissue injury may occur at the measuring site as a result of probe misuse. Pressure sores or burns are possible effects of prolonged application (>2 hours). As such the nurse should consider anyone who is at risk of poor tissue integrity to be at risk  (elderly, cardiovascular disease,malnutrition).