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Is Pulse Oxymeter An Efficient Method To Detect Saturation Of Arterial Oxygen Content In Trauma Patients ?
is pulse oxymeter a better method to use in trauma patients to detect the saturation of arterial oxygen content?
Tue, 3 Sep 2013
Hi,
Pulse oximetry depends on detecting a pulsatile blood flow. In a trauma patient, this is not always possible. Depending on the state of the patient, there may not be an adequate pulse for the probe to detect. If the patient is cold or has loss a lot of blood, there may only be a weak pulse in the periphery.
Also, there are inaccuracies in the reading given by pulse oximeters. There needs to be an adequate waveform demonstrated on the monitor before the reading can be considered accurate. There is often an error of +/-2%.
The most accurate measure of oxygen saturation is an arterial blood sample.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Pulse oximetry depends on detecting a pulsatile blood flow. In a trauma patient, this is not always possible. Depending on the state of the patient, there may not be an adequate pulse for the probe to detect. If the patient is cold or has loss a lot of blood, there may only be a weak pulse in the periphery.
Also, there are inaccuracies in the reading given by pulse oximeters. There needs to be an adequate waveform demonstrated on the monitor before the reading can be considered accurate. There is often an error of +/-2%.
The most accurate measure of oxygen saturation is an arterial blood sample.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
I find this answer helpful
Dear
welcome to healthcaremagic
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. Yes it is the convinient, non invasive technique for recording oxygen saturation
Thanks
welcome to healthcaremagic
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. Yes it is the convinient, non invasive technique for recording oxygen saturation
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
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