1. | Goal: The patient will exhibit arterial blood oxygen saturation within acceptable parameters, or greater than 95%. Identify the patient using at least two methods. |
2. | Explain what you are going to do and why you are going to do it to the patient. |
3. | Perform hand hygiene. |
4. | Select an adequate site for application of the sensor. a. Use the patient’s index, middle, or ring finger. b. Check the proximal pulse and capillary refill at the pulse closest to the site. c. If circulation at site is inadequate, consider using the earlobe or bridge of nose. d. Use a toe only if lower extremity circulation is not compromised. |
5. | Select pro per equipment a. If one finger is too large for the probe, use a smaller one. A pediatric probe may be used for a small adult. b. Use probes appropriate for patient’s age and size. c. Check if patient is allergic to adhesive. A nonadhesive finger clip or reflectance sensor is available. |
6. | Prepare the monitoring site. Cleanse the selected area with the alcohol wipe or disposable cleansing cloth. Allow the area to dry. If necessary, remove nail polish and artificial nails after checking manufacturer’s instructions. |
7. | Apply probe securely to skin. Make sure that the light-emitting sensor and the light-receiving sensor are aligned opposite each other (not necessary to check if placed on forehead or bridge of nose). |
8. | Connect the sensor probe to the pulse oximeter, turn the oximeter on, and check operation of the equipment (audible beep, fluctuation of bar of light or waveform on face of oximeter). |
9. | Set alarms on pulse oximeter. Check manufacturer’s alarm limits for high and low pulse rate settings. |
10. | Check oxygen saturation at regular intervals, as ordered by physician and signaled by alarms. Monitor hemoglobin level. |
11. | Remove sensor on a regular basis and check for skin irritation or signs of pressure (every 2 hours for spring tension sensor or every 4 hours for adhesive finger or toe sensor). |
12. | Clean non-disposable sensors according to the manufacturer’s directions. Perform hand hygiene. |
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