Pulse oximetry
Topic: Fundamentals
A noninvasive method that estimates arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) from light absorption at a finger, earlobe or forehead. In healthy adults it is usually 95–100%. Poor perfusion, cold extremities, nail polish, motion and carbon monoxide poisoning can make it misleading, and it can overestimate saturation in people with darker skin pigmentation. Interpret it alongside the client's clinical picture.
- Also known as:
- SpO2, Oxygen saturation
- In Turkish:
- Pulse oksimetri
What does Pulse oximetry mean?
Pulse oximetry is part of the Fundamentals topic in nursing. Students meet it in class, on clinical placements and while preparing for exams.
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