Final answer:
The statement is true; pulse oximeter readings should not solely dictate the use of oxygen in patients with respiratory distress or when standard care requires it. Pulse oximeters measure percent saturation of oxygen in blood, but healthcare providers must assess the entire clinical situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that a pulse oximeter reading should never be used to withhold oxygen from a victim who appears to be in respiratory distress or when oxygen therapy is the standard care, such as in a victim with chest pain. Despite what the pulse oximeter readings might indicate, they are not the sole determinant of a patient's need for oxygen. Using a pulse oximeter to monitor percent saturation of oxygen in blood is a common practice in healthcare. This device can provide insights into a person's metabolic rate and level of athletic conditioning, as well as potential medical problems. However, normal readings, which range from 95-100 percent, do not always capture the complexity of a patient's condition and should not be the only factor considered when administering care.
Pulse oximeters function by emitting two wavelengths of light through the body part it's attached to, usually a fingertip, and measuring the light absorbed by oxygenated versus deoxygenated hemoglobin. However, even if the readings are within normal ranges, healthcare providers must assess the overall clinical picture and not solely rely on these readings to make decisions about oxygen therapy. Situations such as chest pain may require oxygen regardless of the readings due to the standard medical protocols.