Pulse Oximetry

General

Core DX Study

Synonym/Acronym:
oximetry, pulse ox.

Rationale
To assess arterial blood oxygenation related to respiratory status during ventilation, acute illness, activity, and sleep and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

This Core Diagnostic Study is a noninvasive test most commonly used to screen and assess oxygenation status in a wide variety of clinical settings.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings

• Greater than or equal to 95% (values may be at the lower end of the normal range in older adults).

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions

• Hypoxia occurs at oxygen saturation levels less than 90%. Significant hypoxia, levels less than 85%, requires immediate evaluation and treatment.

Timely notification to the requesting health-care provider (HCP) of any critical findings and related symptoms is a role expectation of the professional nurse. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.