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Related Concept Videos

Pulse Oximetry01:24

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry, or SpO2, is a non-invasive method for continuously monitoring arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). This procedure involves attaching a probe or sensor to the patient's fingertip, forehead, earlobe, or nose bridge. The sensor works by detecting changes in oxygen saturation levels through light signals generated by the oximeter and reflected by the pulsing blood under the probe.
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs01:19

Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs

Following these guidelines can help nurses accurately measure vital signs, assess changes in patient conditions, and provide timely treatment when necessary. Adhering closely to the guidelines ensures the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation01:19

Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation

Assessing respiratory rate concurrently with pulse measurement is fundamental to patient care, providing valuable insights into the patient's respiratory function. The normal breathing rate for an adult usually falls within a normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Abnormal respiratory rates can signal underlying health conditions or the need for immediate intervention.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important. 
Special considerations while measuring pulse01:13

Special considerations while measuring pulse

Assessing a patient's pulse is a fundamental skill in healthcare, but certain situations require special attention:
Assessment of radial pulse01:11

Assessment of radial pulse

Assessment of Radial Pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Pulse01:16

Pulse

When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Non-Invasive Monitoring of Microvascular Oxygenation and Reactive Hyperemia using Hybrid, Near-Infrared Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for Critical Care
14:28

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Does fingernail polish affect pulse oximeter readings?

Ann M Rodden1, Leigh Spicer, Vanessa A Diaz

  • 1Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Family Medicine, 295 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. rodden@musc.edu

Intensive & Critical Care Nursing
|October 27, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Nail polish color does not significantly impact pulse oximeter readings for oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) in healthy individuals. This finding is crucial for clinical practice, as it negates the need to remove polish before SpO(2) measurement.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Devices
  • Clinical Measurement
  • Oximetry

Background:

  • Inconsistent results exist regarding nail polish effects on pulse oximeter readings.
  • Nail polish removal consumes clinical time and resources.
  • Accurate oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) measurement is vital in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of fingernail polish on SpO(2) measurements.
  • To compare SpO(2) readings using two different pulse oximeter devices.
  • To determine clinical significance of observed changes.

Main Methods:

  • Spectrophotometry analyzed 10 nail polish colors.
  • 27 healthy volunteers with SpO(2) ≥ 95% participated.
  • SpO(2) was measured with and without polish on Nellcor N20 and N595 pulse oximeters.

Main Results:

  • Brown and blue polish showed statistically significant SpO(2) decreases with both machines, but <1% difference.
  • Red polish with the N595 oximeter in a side-to-side configuration also yielded a statistically significant, but not clinically significant, SpO(2) decrease.

Conclusions:

  • Fingernail polish does not produce clinically significant alterations in pulse oximeter readings.
  • Current evidence suggests polish color does not impede accurate SpO(2) assessment in healthy subjects.
  • Clinical protocols do not require nail polish removal for SpO(2) monitoring.