Oxygen Saturation

Pulse oximeter, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Mikayla Morton.

Assessing a Client’s Oxygen Saturation

• Tools:
  • Pulse Oximeter
• Steps:
  1. Instruct client to relax in a seated position
  2. Place the pulse oximeter on the client’s index finger or middle finger
  3. Allow the pulse oximeter to stabilize a reading for at least a minute
  4. Document the level of oxygen saturation after the test is complete
• Accuracy of a reading can be reduced when:
  • Client is moving during the test
  • Client has nail polish on, or they have artificial nails
  • Client smokes cigarettes
  • Client has cold hands
• Normal Values:
  • Normal oxygen saturation levels are between 95% to 100% for both adults and children
  • Oxygen saturation levels that are below 90% are low (hypoxemia)
  • Desaturation: When client is unable to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels during activity

(Gett & Romaniw, 2021)

References

Gett, M., & Romaniw, A. (2021, September 1). Vitals [Lecture Notes]. Brightspace. https://mylearning.chatham.edu/d2l/le/content/21252/Home

Morton, M. (Photographer). (2021). Pulse oximeter [Photograph].