Pulse Ox

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Does anyone know where to purchase a pulse oximeter? The fingertip version is all I want. I just did a clinical rotation at a hospital and they were extremely hard to find. That was one of my gripes at this hospital and I may do my next rotation there because it is relatively close to my home. Thanks!

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

When you see how much they cost, you might change your mind!

http://www.portablenebs.com/dualoximeter.htm

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Specializes in Pre/Post OP.

Yeah..I wanted one too! It's shocking how much they cost!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

i understand your frustration well. i, too, used to think the same way until i saw the prices. just a quick check on the internet found this site http://www.turnermedical.com/ any medical supply that carries them will sell one to you. most of the models used in the hospitals run about $400 or more. are you wanting one to do pulses or to do oximeter checks? if i were you i would bone up on respiratory assessment of normal and oxygen-poor states so you don't miss any of the cardinal symptoms. not having a pulse ox available is not an adequate excuse for missing someone's compromised oxygenation. i put together some links on respiratory subjects that might help you in this:

http://medicine.ucsd.edu/clinicalmed/lung.htm - the lung exam

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec04/ch055/ch055a.html - respiratory failure

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003075.htm - patient education page on breathing difficulty (retrieved doing a search for sob)

http://www.ccmtutorials.com/rs/oxygen/index.htm - all about oxygen, a tutorial about oxygen with a section on pulse oximetry

i eventually purchased a wrist blood pressure cuff which i often let the cnas in the nursing home use and they loved it because vital signs went quickly for them and i think the technology factor had something to do with it as well. i didn't think it was that accurate for b/ps. i just always trusted my ears more, but it was great for doing pulses--as long as the patient's pulses weren't too irregular. technology, gotta love it.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

Look on ebay.

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i have bought this oximeter for $165+free shipping:

http://www.favoriteplus.com/finger-p...ter-fp300c.php

also works great and is very durable.

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

I think you actually need a doctors prescription to purchase a pulse ox beleive it or not, although I am not positive. I wouldn't spend the money especially since that could easily disapear on you after spending a lot of $$$. just my 2 cents.

Sweetooth

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