Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

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...
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. 
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 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 Diffusion and Perfusion01:17

Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion

Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Hypertension in Patients Treated With In-Center Maintenance Hemodialysis: Current Evidence and Future Opportunities: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)·2023
Same author

Recruitment, Retention, and Future Direction for a Heart Health Education and Risk Reduction Intervention Led by Community Health Workers in an African American Majority City.

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities·2022
Same author

Implementing a Service Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hispanic health care international : the official journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses·2021
Same author

Running a cardiology consult service during a pandemic: Experiences from the front lines.

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·2021
Same author

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home: A Joint Policy Statement From the American Heart Association and American Medical Association.

Circulation·2020
Same author

The influence of the HEART Camp intervention on physical function, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety and fatigue in patients with heart failure.

European journal of cardiovascular nursing·2019

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Standardized Hemorrhagic Shock Induction Guided by Cerebral Oximetry and Extended Hemodynamic Monitoring in Pigs
07:51

Standardized Hemorrhagic Shock Induction Guided by Cerebral Oximetry and Extended Hemodynamic Monitoring in Pigs

Published on: May 21, 2019

Pulse oximetry in adults.

Claudia Valdez-Lowe1, Sameh A Ghareeb, Nancy T Artinian

  • 1Henry Ford Health System's Heart and Vascular Institute, Detroit, MI, USA. claudvaldezlowe@yahoo.com

The American Journal of Nursing
|May 30, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Pulse oximetry is a key tool for detecting low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia). Understanding monitoring guidelines prevents misuse and overuse of this technology in clinical settings.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Technology
  • Clinical Monitoring
  • Respiratory Care

Background:

  • Pulse oximetry is a widely used, non-invasive method for estimating arterial oxygen saturation.
  • Early detection of hypoxemia is crucial for patient outcomes across various clinical settings.
  • Current practices regarding the frequency and necessity of pulse oximetry monitoring lack consistent clarity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the technology and limitations of pulse oximetry.
  • To discuss current guidelines for pulse oximetry monitoring.
  • To clarify the implications of these guidelines for nursing practice.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pulse oximetry technology.
  • Analysis of existing clinical guidelines for monitoring.

More Related Videos

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
09:54

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

Published on: December 22, 2016

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
14:49

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Standardized Hemorrhagic Shock Induction Guided by Cerebral Oximetry and Extended Hemodynamic Monitoring in Pigs
07:51

Standardized Hemorrhagic Shock Induction Guided by Cerebral Oximetry and Extended Hemodynamic Monitoring in Pigs

Published on: May 21, 2019

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
09:54

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

Published on: December 22, 2016

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
14:49

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

  • Discussion of practical applications and potential pitfalls in nursing.

    • Main Results:

    • Pulse oximetry is effective for early hypoxemia detection but has limitations.
    • Inconsistent understanding and application of guidelines can lead to overuse or misuse.
    • Clearer adherence to guidelines is needed to optimize patient monitoring.

    Conclusions:

    • Nurses require a thorough understanding of pulse oximetry technology and guidelines.
    • Appropriate application of pulse oximetry is essential for effective patient care.
    • Adherence to evidence-based guidelines can improve the utility and efficiency of pulse oximetry.