How to Read a Pulse Oximetry Report
A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. A probe sits on a patient's finger and sends two beams of light, one infrared and one red, through the finger tissue and nail bed. These beams detect the amount of oxygen by differentiating between blood that has been oxygenated from blood that has not. Pulse oximeters report the level of oxygen (SPO2) and the pulse rate and may show a graph of the pulse on the screen.
Instructions
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Attach the probe to a fingertip. Ensure the finger is warm, free of scars, thickened skin or artificial fingernail. Turn the pulse oximeter on and allow it to obtain a baseline reading.
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Determine the pulse oximetry report by viewing the SPO2 indicator on the pulse oximeter monitor. Compare the result to the acceptable range for the patient.
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Determine the pulse rate report by viewing the pulse indicator, which may say "pulse" or may show a heart symbol. Watch the pulse wave graph, if available, to determine if the heart rate is regular (i.e., by the appearance of regular, steady beats on the graph waveform). Compare the pulse rate to the acceptable range for your patient.
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Tips & Warnings
*Most handheld pulse oximeters do not save patient data, so write down the reported numbers.
*Pulse oximetry levels below 90% require medical attention.
* Dark nail polish may interfere with pulse oximetry readings. Clean a fingernail with polish remover before placing the pulse oximetry probe.
* Use a toe or ear lobe if needed for effective probe placement.
* Hospital-grade pulse oximetry machines may be part of a cardiac monitor that allows you to print a pulse oximetry report.
