Final answer:
Pulse oximetry is the noninvasive method used to monitor oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood. It provides a percentage of oxygen saturation by measuring light absorption through hemoglobin, with normal ranges from 95-100 percent. It is a critical tool for assessing respiratory function and oxygenation status.
Step-by-step explanation:
A noninvasive method to monitor oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood is pulse oximetry. This device works by sending two different wavelengths of light through a thin part of the body, often the fingertip, and measures the light with a photodetector on the opposite side. Hemoglobin in the blood absorbs light differentially based on its oxygen saturation level, and the pulse oximeter uses this information to calculate and display the oxygen saturation as a percentage. Normal readings typically range from 95-100 percent, with lower percentages indicating hypoxemia or low blood oxygen levels.
The importance of monitoring blood oxygen levels is underscored in medical situations, such as ensuring that clogged airways are not impacting oxygen levels and in understanding a person's metabolic rate. A pulse oximeter can offer insights into a person's athletic conditioning or alert to certain medical conditions that affect oxygen saturation.