When is the use of a pulse oximeter appropriate for a patient?

The use of a pulse oximeter is appropriate for measuring oxygen saturation non-invasively. This device operates by passing light through a translucent area of the skin (typically a fingertip or earlobe) to determine the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood. This gives immediate insight into the patient's respiratory status and the effectiveness of their oxygenation, which is particularly useful in conditions affecting respiratory function or when monitoring patients undergoing procedures that may impact their oxygen levels.

In contrast, other options such as measuring blood pressure or evaluating heart rhythm require different equipment and methods. Blood pressure is typically measured with a sphygmomanometer, while heart rhythm is assessed through an electrocardiogram (ECG) or similar devices. Assessing lung capacity involves spirometry or other pulmonary function tests, which also differ significantly from the functionality of a pulse oximeter.