Which assessment tool would be primarily used for evaluating a patient’s breathing effectiveness?

The pulse oximeter is primarily used for evaluating a patient’s breathing effectiveness because it measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood. By assessing how well oxygen is being delivered throughout the body, healthcare professionals can determine if a patient’s respiratory system is functioning effectively. Adequate oxygen saturation levels indicate proper lung function and sufficient oxygen delivery to tissues, which is essential for assessing how well a patient is breathing and whether they may require supplemental oxygen or further respiratory support.

In contrast, the sphygmomanometer is designed for measuring blood pressure and does not provide any direct information about respiratory function. The stethoscope, while important for auscultating lung sounds, does not quantitatively measure breathing effectiveness; it is used more for qualitative assessments like identifying wheezing or crackles. The glucose meter is specific to measuring blood glucose levels and is irrelevant to respiratory assessment.