Friday, July 13, 2007: 10:15 AM-11:45 AM
Critical Variables in the Interpretation of Pulse Oximetry
Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to identify at least 4 variables that impact on the accurate interpretation of pulse oximetry readings
Learning Objective #2: The learner will have an understanding of pulse oximetry, in the context of at least 4 variables, as one piece of data in patient assessment.
Pulse oximetry has become another routine vital sign, especially in acute care. It provides a numeric value, in the form of a percentage, that is used to determine the adequacy of one's oxygenation status. As is the case with so much technology, health care providers often subordinate their own clinical judgement and critical thinking to a data-generating machine. Further, the literature notes how inadequately health providers understand the readings and the many variables that impact on its significance and accuracy. This session will identify and explain many factors that must be considered in the interpretation of pulse oximetry so that it can be relegated to its proper position of informational, but not diagnostic, data.
Organizer:	Dorothy A. Cooke, RN, PhD, CS, APN
Presenter:	Dorothy A. Cooke, RN, PhD, CS, APN