March 1, 2024
Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood. This refers to the amount of oxygen that’s in your bloodstream. The body requires a specific amount of oxygen in your blood to function properly.
The O2 saturation is measured using a pulse oximeter placed on thepatient’’s finger. Make sure hands have been washed. No long nails or nail polish. Place on index or middle finger, palm facing up.
Correct O2 Posture: The patient sits quietly not talking or moving, support relaxed straight arm, supported back and feet.
Greater than 93-100 is considered normal
(100 is the highest it can go; this number is a percentage).
This is called hypoxemia. This may be asymptomatic, but even when no health concerns are presented by the patient, a low O2 saturation still requires follow-up from an RN.
The patient can experience shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, confusion, blue lips or nails, etc. These all require follow-up by an RN right away.
