Final answer:
A pulse oximeter is a device used to measure the percent saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen in the blood. It emits two different wavelengths of light through a thin part of the body, such as the finger, and determines the percentage of oxygen saturation based on the amount of light absorbed by the hemoglobin.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pulse oximeter is a device used to measure the percent saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen in the blood. It works by emitting two different wavelengths of light (red and infrared) through a thin part of the body, such as the finger, and measuring the amount of light absorbed by the hemoglobin as it exits. The machine then calibrates this data to determine the percent saturation of oxygen in the blood. Normal pulse oximeter readings range from 95-100 percent, with lower percentages indicating hypoxemia or low blood oxygen levels.