Question

9.

Critical Thinking: If a patient has a low SPO2 % level, does this mean they are having difficulty breathing? Can you think of anything which may alter results not having to do with breathing? FS FS FIO /m

Answer 1

Yes, low SPo2 % level can cause difficulties in breathing. The oxygen saturation value means the number of oxygen presents in the hemoglobin both in the saturated or unsaturated form in the blood. Oxygen saturator is measured in different conditions or tissues: venous oxygen saturation, peripheral oxygen saturation, and tissue oxygen saturation. The oxygen saturation is calculated by dividing the oxygenated hemoglobin with the sum of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin. If the oxygen saturation level falls between 85% and 90% there is a failure in respiration which results in the tissue damage. This is the saturation value less than the normal so it is the condition of Hypoxemia indicated by cyanosis.

So, the following patient conditions that can cause a decreased Spot (oxygen saturation) value are as follows

1. Cardiac problems like head failure and coronary heart diseases.

2. Acute pulmonary diseases like pneumonia.

3. Chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma and bronchi

During the assessing process of hypoxemia (low SPo2 condition) check following practice:

Complete vital signs

Auscultate lungs

Respiratory status

Chronic pulmonary or cardiac conditions

Capillary refill on all four extremities or according to facility policy

Whether the patient exhibits cyanosis, restlessness, confusion etc