How to Troubleshoot a Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a small device that attaches to any extremity in which one finds a pulse such as a finger tip, toe or the bridge of the nose. It is a noninvasive painless way of measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood. Infrared technology and wavelengths enable the instrument to determine the amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood that is in the system. The rate is shown in terms of percentage. People need between 90 and 95 percent oxygenated blood to breathe easily. Keeping your pulse oximeter in good working order will assure the best results.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol wipes
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

• 1

  Check to see that the oximeter is clean and that there is no debris or oil blocking the signal from being transmitted. It is best to use alcohol wipes before and after using the oximeter on a patient. Make sure that the oximeter stays on the charging stand so that it always has a completely charged battery.

• 2

  Use a different finger or toe if you are not getting a reading. Check the patient's vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure using the limb that you are not using to check the oxygen level. If the patient is wearing nail polish it could interfere with the reading. Have nail polish remover on hand with cotton balls to remove nail polish, if necessary.

• 3

  Set the alarm according to the policy of your health care facility. It is easy to trigger a false alarm, but it is an advantage to have the alarm in cases that could indicate dangerously low levels of oxygen. Try to keep the patient still to lessen the number of false alarms.

• 4

  Keep the room where the oximeter is used at a comfortable temperature that is neither cold nor hot. The temperature could affect the working of the oximeter and provide a false reading.

• 5

  Place the probe of the oximeter on a part of the finger where it will not be too tight, but make sure it does not slip. Move the oximeter around until you find a spot that is comfortable for the patient.