Final answer:
A pulse oximeter should be used as a guide for oxygen therapy when resuscitation is anticipated. It measures the oxygen saturation in the blood and assists in the application of Apgar criteria during the assessment of newborns. It's particularly important when dealing with emergencies such as carbon monoxide poisoning, as it assists in monitoring and improving oxygenation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When resuscitation is anticipated, the use of a pulse oximeter should be utilized as a guide for oxygen therapy. This device measures the percent saturation of oxygen in the blood, with normal readings ranging from 95-100 percent. In anticipation of resuscitation, especially in newborns, having such measurements is integral as they indicate critical aspects of the patient's condition and aid in the assessment using the Apgar criteria. Two of the Apgar scores, heart rate and respiration, are essential; with readings lower than 7 at the 5-minute mark triggering medical interventions.
Moreover, pulse oximeters operate by transmitting two wavelengths of light through a thin part of the body and receiving it through a photodetector after absorption by hemoglobin. This gives a clear estimate of oxygen levels, crucial in indicating the urgency of medical attention. When faced with situations such as carbon monoxide poisoning, administering 100 percent oxygen can significantly reduce the half-life of carbon monoxide in the blood, quickly improving patient outcomes as it hastens the dissociation of carbon monoxide from carboxyhemoglobin, converting it back to hemoglobin which is vital for oxygen transport in the body.