Answer:
The pulse oximeter's primary function is to measure blood oxygen saturation, indicating the metabolic rate and identifying potential health issues such as hypoxemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary function of a pulse oximeter is to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. This device is typically applied to a thin part of the body, like the fingertip, and operates by emitting two wavelengths of light, red and infrared, through the finger to measure how much light is absorbed by hemoglobin based on its oxygen saturation. The result is presented as the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood, with normal readings ranging from 95-100 percent. If the readings are lower, it may reflect a condition known as hypoxemia, which is characterized by low blood oxygen levels. Understanding oxygen saturation is critical because it indicates a person's metabolic rate, the level of athletic conditioning, as well as potential medical problems.