Final answer:
Pulse oximetry readings can be influenced by eight factors: peripheral vasoconstriction, nail polish or false nails, high levels of carboxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin, motion artifacts, anemia or hemoglobin abnormalities, edema or thick skin at the sensor site, external light sources, and intravascular dyes like methylene blue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pulse oximeter is a device used to measure the percent saturation of oxygen in the blood, revealing a patient's oxygen levels. There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of pulse oximeter readings. Here are eight factors that may influence the results:
- Peripheral vasoconstriction, which can be caused by cold extremities or circulatory issues, reducing blood flow to the sensor site.
- Nail polish or false nails that can block the light transmission through the finger.
- High levels of carboxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin in the blood, which can alter the absorption of light wavelengths.
- Motion artifacts, where movement can interfere with the sensor's ability to accurately detect the pulse and measure the light absorption consistently.
- Anemia or other hemoglobin abnormalities that could affect how light is absorbed by hemoglobin.
- Edema or the presence of thick skin at the sensor site, which can affect light transmission.
- External light sources, particularly strong, can potentially interfere with the sensor.
- Intravascular dyes such as methylene blue or indocyanine green that could absorb light wavelengths used by the pulse oximeter.
Pulse oximeters are commonly used to monitor metabolic rate and can indicate the level of athletic conditioning as well as certain medical conditions.