Optional, AEMT

ObjectivesDescribe importance of oxygen to body metabolismUnderstand oximetry assesses oxygen saturation of hemoglobinUnderstand oximetry can show effectiveness of interventionsKnow oximetry is a routine vital signKnow procedures of application and reading oximetryDetermine sights for application of oximetryDefine possible complications with oximetryDescribe possible troubleshooting Describe transport of oxygen in bodyUnderstanding that hemoglobin reflects light differently with and without oxygen

OxygenEssential for human functionNecessary for proper cellular metabolismWithout oxygen, lactic acid builds from anaerobic metabolismOxygen transportAbout 2% of oxygen gets dissolved in plasmaOxygen is bound to hemoglobin in blood(98%)Hemoglobin changes shape and color with oxygenEach hemoglobin can carry four oxygen molecules

Pulse OximetryMeasures oxygen saturation of hemoglobinInfrared and Red light emitted into tissueSensor then reads amount returned to photo detectorHemoglobin reflects light differently when oxygenated vs. not oxygenatedSaturation is measured with each pulse as blood passes

Purpose of Pulse OximetryMeasure oxygenation of bloodAssess the effectiveness of oxygen administrationAssess effectiveness of any other airway or breathing interventions

Indications for Pulse OximetryShould be routine vital signSo have a reading with every set of vitalsContinued monitoring should occur in anyone having respiratory compromiseSuch as those with: COPD, emphysema, pulmonary edema, airway obstruction, etc.

Application of Pulse OximetryConsult directions from manufacture for specific application guidelinesGeneral application:Turn on unit Select proper sensorPlace proper sensor on an area of thin tissueFingers, toes, ear lobes, bridge of noseAllow a few seconds for monitor to read saturation and pulse

Readings of Pulse OximetryReadings are measured in SpO2ex. SpO2 is 98%Average reading is 95-99%Acceptable range is 93-100%

Oximetry will also give a pulse reading

Finger TipHand HeldTable TopThis page does not endorse any company, all pictures are intended for educational purposes onlyFinger tip and hand held are most common on ambulancePulse oximeters are made by many companies

Sensors for Pulse OximetersMany different sensors for pulse oximetersStandard finger sensorsWrap around sticker sensorsWrap around silicone sensors

Complications With OximetryHypoperfusionNot enough blood in capillary bed to obtain accurate readingSite is too coldPatient movement can alter effectivenessNail polishCarbon monoxide poisoningHemoglobin gets saturated with compounds other than oxygen

Troubleshooting OximetrySee specific directions from manufactures for your device. Here are some generals:Will not turn on: check batteriesNot obtaining a reading: Make sure sensor cable is connected to monitorMake sure sensor is on warm and thin tissueCheck for nail polish, grease, etc.Could be a low batteryBlood flow too low (make sure youre not causing it: BP cuffs, IV tourniquet)Constant alarms:Alarm limits may be to high or low

SummaryOxygen is essential to body for metabolism (prevents lactic acid)Oximetry assesses oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, not sum of oxygen in bloodOximetry can be used to know if interventions are effectiveOximetry is a vital signOximetry is applied using correct sensor Normal reading are SpO2 between 95-99%

Summary cont.Oximetry is placed over thin tissueOximetry can have many complicationsPolish, cold, hypoperfusion, movement . . .Troubleshoot if monitor not working, or if reading doesnt seem rightOxygen is transported by hemoglobinHemoglobin changes shape and color causing light to reflect differently