How Do You Read A Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter works by passing an infrared beam through the capillary bed to a sensor on the other side. Before oxygenation by the lungs, blood is a darker shade of red. The small instrument measures the intensity of both shades of blood, detects the heart rate, and then subtracts the amount of the darker unoxygenated blood through a series of calculations. The result is the percentage of oxygen-saturated blood. These, along with the heart rate, appear on the display monitor. Determine the source of power for the pulse oximeter. Some plug into the wall while others have a rechargeable battery. Select the appropriate probe. The earlobe and finger are the usual choices, and each requires a different probe. If the finger is used, remove all nail polish so you have good contact with the skin. Clean the skin to remove oil. Turn the instrument on and wait for it to calibrate and run through a series of checks. This may take a few seconds. Place the probe at the site you have prepared. Avo
