Pulse oximetry is most useful in which of the following situations?
A) Determining when to extubate an adult
B) Prescribing oxygen therapy for neonates
C) Monitoring patients undergoing chest physical therapy
D) Establishing initial oxygen necessity for home care patients

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxygen status of a patient being considered for extubation needs to be assessed by an arterial blood gas,not by pulse oximetry,because not only does the patient's oxygen status need assessment,but the acid-base balance does as well.Pulse oximetry is not used as a basis for prescribing oxygen therapy in neonates.Neonatologists prefer to base oxygen therapy decisions on arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PₐO₂)rather than oxygen saturation.Pulse oximetry is useful for monitoring the oxygen status of patients undergoing chest physical therapy because it gives immediate results and is used for continuous monitoring.Pulse oximetry may not be as useful in prescribing oxygen therapy for home care patients.

Pulse Oximetry Is Most Useful in Which of the Following