COVID-19: Pulse oximeters in the spotlight
Frederic Michard1, Kirk Shelley2, Erwan L'Her3
1MiCo, Chemin de Chapallaz 4, Denens, Switzerland. frederic.michard@bluewin.ch.
Abstract:
From home to intensive care units, innovations in pulse oximetry are susceptible to improve the monitoring and management of patients developing acute respiratory failure, and particularly those with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They include self-monitoring of oxygen saturation (SpO2) from home, continuous wireless SpO2 monitoring on hospital wards, and the integration of SpO2 as the input variable for closed-loop oxygen administration systems. The analysis of the pulse oximetry waveform may help to quantify respiratory efforts and prevent intubation delays. Tracking changes in the peripheral perfusion index during a preload-modifying maneuver may be useful to predict preload responsiveness and rationalize fluid therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Pulse Oximetry
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
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 saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is...
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
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...


