Tips on Using Pulse Oximetry

A pulse oximeter is a valuable technique of monitoring patients in many circumstances. The oximeter may represent a wise choice of monitor that allows for the assessment of several different patient constraints. To successfully use a pulse oximeter, there are practical tips that you may consider while doing the measurement. This would let you achieve an accurate and reliable oximeter measurement that you need. Let us one by one tackle what are the practical tips to remember in using an oximeter device. First, plug the oximeter into an electrical socket, if available, to recharge the batteries. Second, turn the oximeter on and wait for it to go through its calibration and check tests. Third, select the probe you require with particular attention to correct sizing and where it is going to go. The digit should be clean. It is also recommendable to remove nail varnish that you may have. Fourth, position the probe on the chosen digit, this would avoid excess force. Firth, allow several seconds for the pulse oximeter to detect the pulse and calculate the oxygen saturation. Sixth, look for a displayed waveform. Without this displayed waveform, any reading would be considered meaningless. Seventh, read off the displayed oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Lastly, if you are in doubt of the results, then rely on your clinical judgment, rather than the value the oximeter gave you. There are alarms that you may encounter while using the oximeter. If the low oxygen saturation alarm sounds, then check if the patient is conscious. You should be able to check the airway and make sure the patient is breathing adequately. Do lift the chin or apply other airway operations as possible. If necessary, give the patient the oxygen needed or if all are impossible to be achieved, then call for professional help. Moreover, if the pulse not detected alarm sounds in the oximeter, look for the displayed waveform on the pulse oximeter. Right away feel for a central pulse. If in case that you found no pulse, then you may call for help. If there is a pulse, try to reposition the probe, or put the probe on a dissimilar digit. The alarm limits for oxygen saturation and pulse rate can be changed according to your needs. This is what usually happens on most oximeter. However, it is not advisable to alter an alarm just to stop it sounding; it could be telling you something important.