Pulse oximetry is the noninvasive measurement of arterial blood oxygen saturation, the percent to which hemoglobin is filled with oxygen. A pulse oximeter is a probe with a light-emitting diode (LED) connected by cable to an oximeter. The more hemoglobin saturated by oxygen, the higher the oxygen saturation. Normally oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is greater than 95%. The measurement of oxygen saturation is simple and painless, and has few of the risks associated with more invasive measurements of oxygen saturation such as arterial blood gas sampling. A vascular, pulsatile area is needed to detect the change in the transmitted light when making measurements with a digit or earlobe probe.

Delegation Considerations

The skill of oxygen saturation measurement can be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). The nurse instructs the NAP by:

▪ Communicating specific factors related to the patient that can falsely lower oxygen saturation.

▪ Informing NAP about appropriate sensor site and probe.

▪ Advising NAP of frequency of oxygen saturation measurements for specific patient.

▪ Advising NAP to notify nurse immediately of any SpO₂ reading lower than 95% or a predetermined value for a specific patient.

▪ Requesting NAP refrain from using pulse oximetry to obtain heart rate because oximeter will not detect an irregular pulse rate.

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