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Vital Signs

Vital Signs. Pulse Oximetry. Bellringer. Think back to the last time you or a family member went to see a doctor. What vital signs ( temperature, oxygen level, blood pressure, pulse rate, respirations ) did they take? How were these obtained? (with a machine or nurse take manually)

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Vital Signs

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  1. Vital Signs Pulse Oximetry

  2. Bellringer • Think back to the last time you or a family member went to see a doctor. • What vital signs ( temperature, oxygen level, blood pressure, pulse rate, respirations ) did they take? • How were these obtained? (with a machine or nurse take manually) • How did the caregiver explain the procedure and results?

  3. Vital Signs • Are our signs of life. They are the indicators that tell how the body is functioning. • Normal vital signs (vs) –the body is considered to be in homeostasis. • Vital signs include Temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure and pulse oximetry.

  4. Pulse Oximetry • The pulse oximeter is an electronic device that determines the oxygen (O2 ) concentration in the hemoglobin of the arterial blood. • This oximeter has a light beam that passes through the tissue (usually a finger, toe, earlobe, nose, or forehead). • O2 content and pulse rate are displayed on the monitor.

  5. O2 Concentration • O2 Concentration level is documented as SpO2. • Normal range is 95-100% on room air. (Room air is 20 % oxygen. • When SpO2 level is below 90% ,the tissues do not have enough oxygen to funtion. Lack of O2 can lead to brain damage in 4-6 minutes.

  6. Possible Causes for Low SpO2 Levels • Poor Circulation • Cold extremities (blue looking fingers) • Dark nail polish/ or Artificial nails • Weak pulse • Patient is in respiratory distress due to illness or injury. • Chronic respiratory patients ( COPD, Lung Cancer, etc.) • Cardiac patients (some congenital cardiac defects will have a low SpO2 level as their normal level)

  7. Signs of O2 Shortage • Rapid and shallow respirations • Rapid pulse • Restlessness or confusion • Cyanosis –bluish discoloration of the skin • Hypoxia-deficiency of O2 • Lack of O2 can cause brain damage in 4-6 minutes.

  8. Treatment for Deficient O2 Level • Physician’s order required for administration of O2. • Includes method of administration and concentration to be given. • May be started in emergency situations and MD notified. • A patient with low O2 level needs supplemental oxygen.

  9. Summary • Vital signs are our signs of life. (Temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation level) • O2 level is measured using a pulse oximeter. • The SpO2 is the is the oxygen concentration in the hemaglobin of the arterial blood. • There are numerous reasons for a low SpO2. Brain Damage can occur with lack of O2 for 4-6 minutes. • Supplemental oxygen is the treatment for a patient with low oxygen level.

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