
Which may affect pulse oximetry accuracy?
- Poor peripheral perfusion (shock, vasoconstriction, hypotension). …
- Severe anemia.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. …
- Hypothermia.
- Excessive patient movement.
- High ambient light (bright sunlight, high-intensity light on the area of the sensing probe).
What factors can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter?
Be aware that multiple factors can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading, such as poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current tobacco use, and use of fingernail polish. To get the best reading from a pulse oximeter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Do lights affect pulse oximeter readings?
Interference of Light: Lights can also affect the readings of a pulse oximeter if it is too harsh. It can be tested by covering the light source and taking the readings again. The presence of any sort of radiated lights like infrared or ultraviolet can definitely have an impact on the reading.
Can fingernails affect pulse oximeter readings?
Fake fingernails might affect the readings in addition to nail polish colors as they are pigmentations and act as a hindrance for the probes and sensors. Lights can also affect the readings of a pulse oximeter if it is too harsh. It can be tested by covering the light source and taking the readings again.
How accurate are oximeter readings?
A large number of times, readings with an oximeter even serve as lifesaving signals. For this reason and many others, it is imperative that the readings taken during the testing must be accurate. The test itself should be conducted by an expert who is well aware of the workings of the device.

What factors affect oxygen saturation?
At a given level of oxygen consumption, 3 potential variables influence systemic arterial oxygen saturation in transposition: (1) magnitude of the intercirculatory mixing, (2) hemoglobin concentration and (3) magnitude of the recirculated systemic mixed venous flow.
Which of the following can cause false high readings when using a pulse oximeter?
False high readings - Pulse oximeters can give a falsely high reading in the presence of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin about 250 times more strongly than oxygen and, once in place, prevents the binding of oxygen.
What is the most common source of error and false alarms with pulse oximetry?
Low peripheral perfusion and motion artifact are the most common causes of inaccurate pulse oximetry readings.
What are three conditions that can give a false pulse oximetry reading?
Recommendations for Health Care Providers Be aware that multiple factors can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading, such as poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current tobacco use, and use of fingernail polish.
Which factors can compromise a pulse oximetry reading?
Factors that may reduce the accuracy of pulse oximeter signals include:Nail Polish[5]Pigmentation of the skin.High-intensity ambient lighting.Excessive patient movement, or motion artifacts.Decreased perfusion.Presence of abnormal hemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin.Intravascular dyes.More items...•
Can cold fingers affect pulse oximeter readings?
Blood flow to your fingers may be lower when your hands are cold, or if you have poor circulation. Try massaging your hands for one to two minutes to increase blood flow before clipping on the device.
Which condition can cause the pulse oximeter not to display a value?
The most common cause of inaccuracy with pulse oximeters is motion artifact. Patient movement can cause pulsatile venous flow to be incorrectly measured as arterial pulsations, thus producing an inaccurate oximetry and pulse-rate reading. Another common cause of inaccuracy is poor peripheral perfusion.
How do you ensure accurate pulse oximetry reading?
The beams of light are “read” to calculate the percentage of your blood that is carrying oxygen. It also provides a reading of your heart rate (pulse). To make sure the oximeter is giving you a good reading, count your pulse for one minute and compare the number you get to the pulse number on the oximeter.
Which of the following could influence the results of pulse oximetry quizlet?
The nurse explains to the client that which factor might affect the results of pulse oximetry? Alterations in circulation. The nurse is checking capillary refill to measure circulation in the client's index finger prior to using a pulse oximeter.
What is a pulse oximetry reading and what is a normal finding quizlet?
D) a heart rate greater than 100 beats/min. severe peripheral vasoconstriction. Feedback: A pulse oximeter measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. Under normal conditions, a patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) ranges between 95% and 100% while breathing room air.
Does hypertension affect pulse oximeter readings?
Conclusions: Pulse oximetry is reliable with a systolic blood pressure > 80 mmHg. The lower the BP, the lower the pulse oximetry readings leading to a bias of up to -45%.
Which of the following factors may lead to overestimation of the SaO2 by an SpO2 monitor?
What factors can lead to overestimation of the SpO2 by an SaO2 monitor? Underestimation? Severe anemia can result in overestimation of the SpO2, particularly at low oxygen saturations. Non-hypoxic SaO2 values are typically normal in anemic patients, however.
Recommendations For Health Care Providers
- Be aware that multiple factors can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading, such as poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current tobacco use, and use of fi...
- Refer to the device labeling or the manufacturer’s website to understand the accuracy of a pa…
Device Description
Interpretation and Limitations of Pulse Oximetry
FDA Actions
Reporting Problems with A Pulse Oximeter
Questions?
Brightness of Light
- When taking your oxygen readings, the pulse oximeter probe is clipped to your finger and begins emitting a low infrared light. This light penetrates the skin and counts the number of oxygenated blood cells flowing through your veins (Page, 2017). However, bright ambient lighting in your immediate environment can dilute the infrared rays and make it...
Probe Placement
Pressure on The Wrist
Nerve-Blocking Medications
Increased Movement
Artificial Nail Accessories
Other Health Conditions