Final answer:
Pulse oximetry should be applied as soon as resuscitation is anticipated to continuously monitor a patient's oxygen saturation levels. It is essential to apply this monitoring before starting resuscitative efforts to ensure that interventions are timely and appropriate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When resuscitation is anticipated, pulse oximetry should be applied as soon as possible, ideally before the resuscitation efforts begin. Pulse oximetry provides critical information about the patient's oxygen saturation levels, which is a pivotal factor when managing their respiration and circulation during resuscitative procedures. This non-invasive monitoring should be in place and functioning to ensure that the healthcare team has continuous, real-time feedback on the patient's oxygenation status, enabling prompt interventions as needed.
Pulse oximeters operate by passing light through a thin part of the body, such as the tip of a finger, to measure oxygen saturation. Normal readings range from 95-100 percent, with lower readings indicating hypoxemia. During resuscitation, especially when poor heart rate and respiration are evident, as indicated in the Apgar criteria for newborns, maintaining adequate oxygenation is of utmost importance.