Master Oxygen Sat question

[mario_ragucci]

Thank you, in advance, to all the knowledge here.

So, when you are attempting to get an accurate O2 sat, and your using the standard "clothes pin" model, and a PT has nerve damage where the fingers and toes are cold....what is the 3rd and 4th and 5th places on the human body to successfully attempt a O2 sat on a PT?

Ears? Nose? body fold??

I remember once trying to use my nose, but the reading seemed way off. Please relay any one time experiences of success.

[mario_ragucci]

Thank you again very much. I often wonder about cross-contamination from BP cuff. Of course I would use a alcohol wipe/swab. And how could you use a clothes pin type O2 sat on the forhead. It is importand to make sure the leads are properly connected. I wanted to say member, but figured it was too much. The story of the litle one sounds hard.

For sure I am going to try cheek tomorrow, and I'll let you know.

For a poor alter boy like me, can anyone explain, in several breif sentences, the physics of how the pulse oximeter works. How can that simple probe determine the O2 on your hemoglobin with such accuracy? Is it a special light? Does it have to do with the oscillating frequency of oxygen? You don't have to answer. If you do, I will remember your answers very well.

[sharann, BSN, RN]

http://www.nda.ox.ac.uk/wfsa/html/u05/u05_003.htm

o.k. Mario, I am in love with your lust for learning. Respect that. Try this link. You might have to type it out. See if this helps explain it.

p.s: I would have suggested the member too, but thought that was too naughty!)

[WashYaHands]

The percent in the reading is the percent of hemoglobin molecules that have the 4 required oxygen molecules attached (oxyhemoglobin). If you have a patient whose pulse ox is normal, but they arent looking well (color, heart rate, level of consciousness), check the H&H labs. A patient may have fully saturated hemoglobin, yet because of significant anemia (decrease in hemoglobin), still lack an adequate supply of oxygen to the tissues. This sometimes happens in post op patients who have lost a lot of blood.

Linda

[mario_ragucci]

Thank you for the great link. And I want to try Adam's Apple as well, but have to work RIO today

[micro, RN]

Originally posted by sharann

http://www.nda.ox.ac.uk/wfsa/html/u05/u05_003.htm

p.s: I would have suggested the member too, but thought that was too naughty!)

a total side comment, not meant to digress.....................

used correctly, we are under the general nursing discussion forum, correct?

this is not off topic....

so I ask all of you nurses, and nursing personnel

why do we feel still unease about using the correct terminology about human anatomy.....

if you are not uncomfortable in your work settings, then why in a 'professional' discussion?

asking this ??? seriously and please don't even reply, just think about it..........it comes across with your ease in nursing and how you come across credibly with your patients, families, doc's and coworkers........

[micro, RN]

Originally posted by WashYaHands

The percent in the reading is the percent of hemoglobin molecules that have the 4 required oxygen molecules attached (oxyhemoglobin). If you have a patient whose pulse ox is normal, but they arent looking well (color, heart rate, level of consciousness), check the H&H labs. A patient may have fully saturated hemoglobin, yet because of significant anemia (decrease in hemoglobin), still lack an adequate supply of oxygen to the tissues. This sometimes happens in post op patients who have lost a lot of blood.

Linda

Linda, do you teach. You could. Explained so easily and so succinctly.

Back to the original topic.

micro

[micro, RN]

Originally posted by Qwiigley

We had a kid that lost his 4 extremities from meningealcoccemia. We had to use his ear, his nose and even once his member. We almost lost this poor child. After hemofiltration and ECMO and multiple surgeries; he made it. This all because his grandmother saw that he was getting a "rash" and a fever and gave him some of her antibiotics. With this dz you NEVER give antibiotics without being in an ICU. It just proves that you need to see a doc when kids get sick. Very scary. Kids are not little adults!

Wow! Poor lil' tyke. My hats off to my fellow nurses that work in pediatrics.

Thx Qwiigley for sharing this nursing experience. We have much to learn from one another.

micro

[mario_ragucci]

Im talking about a finger/plastic O2 sat clip. It will register on my nose, but the reading was lower than on my finger. Couldn't get on my ear, or between my tumb and index finger, or wrist (partial) I forgot to try my mouth, but risk my profesional demenour by displaying this. I couldn't try member at work, out of respect.

finger or toe is the primary site, and any other, unless specifically designed and plave, will not produce accurate results, if any at all

Im sorry :-(

[micro, RN]

what is the correct term,

i just go grab it from the cart....

probe sensors that plug into the pulse oximeter instead of the

"plastic" SaO2 clip.

these are the ones, especially designed for forehead, ped's/infants, fingers, ears, etc.

they can be modified and used as necessary on other areas.....

and adapted, as seen much.....

as in the above case that Quiigley stated and in more common situations where the best site for adults is a little toe=the infant probe connection works best.

two days off and I sit here discussing nursing.....:-/

[boggle, ASN, RN]

Yeth Mawio, getthing tha pwobe ta thay on tha tung ith thwicky:chuckle

(couldn't stop myself.....just feeling silly tonight)

[WashYaHands]

:rotfl: Great humor, Boggle!

Linda