Final answer:
A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device used to measure the oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin, providing readings known as percent saturation. It operates by passing light through a body part and detecting how much light is absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin. Normal readings suggest adequate oxygenation, while lower readings indicate hypoxemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
A device that determines the oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin in a non-invasive manner is known as a pulse oximeter. This medical instrument measures the percentage of hemoglobin sites occupied by oxygen in a patient's blood, which is clinically referred to as "percent sat" or percent saturation. A pulse oximeter operates by emitting two wavelengths of light through a thin part of the body, such as a fingertip, and a photodetector analyzes the amount of light that is not absorbed by the oxygenated hemoglobin. Normal readings from a pulse oximeter range from 95-100 percent, indicating adequate oxygenation, while lower readings suggest hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen levels. The level of oxygen in the arterial blood is also measured and is indicated by the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2 or PO2), typically recorded in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).