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Administering Pulse Ox

This document provides a 12-step procedure checklist for administering pulse oximetry. The key steps include: selecting an appropriate sensor site such as the finger, toe, earlobe or forehead; cleaning the site; applying the sensor and ensuring the photo detectors are aligned; connecting the sensor to the oximeter machine; adjusting alarm limits and volume; monitoring the site and changing sensors periodically; notifying the physician of abnormal results; and documenting all readings, sensor details, and skin assessment. The goal is to properly measure a patient's oxygen saturation levels non-invasively using a pulse oximeter.

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186 views2 pages

Administering Pulse Ox

This document provides a 12-step procedure checklist for administering pulse oximetry. The key steps include: selecting an appropriate sensor site such as the finger, toe, earlobe or forehead; cleaning the site; applying the sensor and ensuring the photo detectors are aligned; connecting the sensor to the oximeter machine; adjusting alarm limits and volume; monitoring the site and changing sensors periodically; notifying the physician of abnormal results; and documenting all readings, sensor details, and skin assessment. The goal is to properly measure a patient's oxygen saturation levels non-invasively using a pulse oximeter.

Uploaded by

jepoi
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ADMINISTERING PULSE OXIMETRY

PROCEDURE CHECKLIST 1 2 3 4 5 PE
1. Wash you hands
2. Select an appropriate sensor. Sensors are
commonly used for the fingertips.
3. Select an appropriate site for the sensor.
Fingers are most commonly used; however, toes,
earlobes, nose, forhead, hands and feet can be
used. Assess capillary refill and proximal pulse.
If the client has poor circulation, use an earlobe,
forehead, or nasal sensor instead. In children,
sensors may be used on the hand, foot or trunk.
If older clients have thickened nails, pick another
site.
4. Clean the site with an alcohol wipe. Remove
artificial nails or nail polish if present or select
another site. Clean any tape adhesive. Use
soap and water if necessary to clean site.
5. Apply the sensor. Make sure the photo
detectors are aligned on opposite sides of the
selected site.
6. Connect the sensor to the oximeter with a
sensor cable. Turn on the machine. Initially, a
tone can be heard, followed by an arterial
waveform fluctuation with each arterial pulse.
In most oximeters if the battery is low, a low
battery light illuminated when 15 minutes of
battery life is remaining. Oximeters should
remain plugged in even when not in use.
7. Adjust the alarm limits for high and low
oxygenation saturation levels according to the
manufacturer’s directions. Pulse rate limits most
often can also be set. Adjust the volume.
8. If taking a single reading, note the results. If
the oximeter is being used for constant
monitoring, move the site of spring sensors
every 2 hours and the adhesive sensors every 4
hours.
9. Cover the physician or qualified practitioner
of abnormal results.
10.Notify the physician or qualified practitioner
of abnormal results.
11.Record the results of oxygen saturation
measurements according to the physician’s or
qualified practitioner’s order or protocol. Include
in the documentation the type of sensor used,
the site of application, the hemoglobin levels,
and your assessment of the client’s skin at the
sensor site.
12.Documentation: Record the pulse, oxygen,
flow rate and saturation readings.
TOTAL SCORE

Date of Return Demonstration


Clinical Instructor Signature

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