Chapter 4: Oxygen Saturation

Finding the Error Activity 2: Pulse Oximetry – Feedback

An incorrect technique is demonstrated in Figure 4.6 because the healthcare provider is using the pulse oximeter device on a client who has nail polish on her fingers. Nail polish can affect accuracy, so healthcare providers remove nail polish when pulse oximetry is measured on the fingers. Alternatively, the pulse oximetry could be measured using a device attached to the earlobe. The correct technique is demonstrated in Figure 4.7 in which the nail polish is removed. It is also important to note that healthcare providers need to ensure the radial pulse aligns with the pulse displayed on the pulse oximeter.

Incorrect technique of measuring pulse oximetry

The healthcare provider is using the pulse oximeter device on a client who has nail polish on her fingers

Figure 4.6: Error in technique while measuring oxygen saturation

  Correct technique of measuring pulse oximetry

The healthcare provider is correctly measuring oxygen saturation with nail polish removed

Figure 4.7: Correct technique of measuring pulse oximetry

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Vital Sign Measurement Across the Lifespan - 1st Canadian edition Copyright © 2018 by Ryerson University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.