AccessPT Channel, PTA Question of the Week

PTA Question of the Week – Pulse oximeter

You have been instructed to use a pulse oximeter on a patient during exercise to monitor their oxygen saturation. Based on the presentation, the patient is noted to have lower-than-expected values. What should you do to ensure an accurate reading?

  1. Instruct the patient to perform pursed-lip breathing
  2. Switch to using a sphygmomanometer to measure the patient’s blood pressure
  3. Check the patient is not wearing nail polish or use an alternative finger
  4. Notify the nurse immediately or call for help

The solution will be posted in a few days