Final answer:
Pulse oximeters are designed to detect the levels of oxygen saturation by measuring oxyhemoglobin, and the only form of hemoglobin that they can measure from the given list is oxyhemoglobin (HbO2). Methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and sulfhemoglobin have different absorption characteristics that standard pulse oximetry cannot typically distinguish.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2). Specifically, it detects the levels of oxygen saturation by assessing the light absorption of oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) relative to deoxyhemoglobin. Among the forms of hemoglobin listed, pulse oximeters are primarily designed to measure oxyhemoglobin (HbO2).
Methemoglobin (MetHb) and sulfhemoglobin (SulfHb) cannot be directly measured by standard pulse oximetry because their absorption characteristics differ significantly from those of HbO2. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) also has a unique absorption spectrum that is not typically distinguished by conventional pulse oximeters. Therefore, these forms can interfere with accurate oxygen saturation readings, which can lead to inaccurate measurements if these variant hemoglobins are present in significant quantities.
Pulse oximeters can measure a) Oxyhemoglobin. Oxyhemoglobin is the form of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen and carries it through the body. Pulse oximeters work by measuring the differences in the absorption of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.