Oxygen Saturation

Pulse Oximetry

• Measures the % of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen
• SpO2 stands for peripheral capillary oxygen saturation

What do the results mean?

• Normal is 94-100%
• Normal for COPD is >92%

Procedure

• Check that O2 is turned on prescribed amount, tubing isn't kinked
• Make sure client has been on the O2 for at least 5 minutes
• Place pulse oximeter probe on a fingertip
• Turn on pulse oximeter
• Oximeter detects pulse rate, then measures oxygen saturation

Oxygen Flowmeter

Possible causes of inaccurate results

• Poor blood circulation to finger
• Cold hands
• Sunlight, brightly lit room
• Thick calluses or scars
• Inability to sense pulse
• Artificial nails or nail polish

Symptoms of Hypoxia

• Cyanosis (turns blue) of lips, skin and nail beds
• Confusion
• Chest Pain
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness
• Fast heart rate

What to do with results

• Normal 92-100%
• If client is in yellow zone, call PCP and inform of SpO2 finding along with whatever yellow zone symptoms client has

If SpO2 is 89-91%

• Is client on O2?
• If no, does client have O2 available?
• If yes, have client put O2 on and recheck SpO2 in 5 minutes
• If client already on O2, notify RN immediately for further assessment
• Encourage client to notify Dr of findings

If SpO2 is 85-88%

• Inadequate perfusion of vital organs begins
• If client has symptoms of hypoxia, call 911 If client already on O2, call PCP immediately
• If client already on O2, call PCP immediately If client has O2 but not wearing it, have client put O2 on, recheck in 5 minutes
• If client has O2 but not wearing it, have client put O2 on, recheck in 5 minutes If no O2, client to call PCP, report findings and discuss possible need for home O2
• If no O2, client to call PCP, report findings and discuss possible need for home O2CHW to call RN immediately
• CHW to call RN immediately

If SpO2 is

• Does client have any sypmtoms of hypoxia? If yes, call 911
• If client already on O2, go to ER immediately if ride available, or call 911
• If client has O2 available, have them use it and recheck in 5 min
• Notify RN asap
• RN or CHW tol follow up with client within 48 hours