The requirement for pulse oximetry measurements
by Stark Forde Health care productsPulse oximetry may be used to see if there is
enough oxygen in the blood. This information is needed in many kinds of
situations. It may be used:
- During or after surgery or
procedures that use sedation
- To see how well lung medicines
are working
- To check a person’s ability to
handle increased activity levels
- To see if a ventilator is
needed to help with breathing, or to see how well it’s working
- To check a person has moments
when breathing stops during sleep (sleep apnea)
Pulse
oximetry is also used to check the health of a person with any condition
that affects blood oxygen levels, such as:
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Anemia
• Lung cancer
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to advise pulse
oximetry.
What
are the risks of pulse oximetry?
All procedures have some risks. The risks of
this procedure may include:
- Incorrect reading if the probe
falls off the earlobe, toe, or finger
- Skin irritation from adhesive
on the probe
Your risks may vary depending on your general
health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most
to you. Talk with him or her about any concerns you have.
How do I get ready for pulse oximetry?
Your healthcare provider will explain the
procedure to you. Make sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure.
If a finger probe is to be used, you may be asked to remove fingernail polish.
Your healthcare provider may have other instructions
for getting ready.
What happens during pulse oximetry?
You may have your procedure as an outpatient.
This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay
in the hospital. The way the procedure is done may vary. It depends on your
condition and your healthcare provider's methods. In most cases, pulse
oximetry will follow this process:
1.
A clip-like device called a probe will be placed on your finger or
earlobe. Or, a probe with sticky adhesive may be placed on your forehead or
finger.
2.
The probe may be left on for ongoing monitoring.
3.
Or it may be used to take a single reading. The probe will be
removed after the test.
What happens after pulse oximetry?
You
can go home after the test, unless you are in the hospital for another reason.
You may go back to your normal diet and activities as instructed by your
healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions
after the procedure.Sponsor Ads
Created on Apr 4th 2019 01:45. Viewed 294 times.