The patient has new-onset restlessness and confusion.His pulse rate is elevated,as is his respiratory rate.His oxygen saturation,however,is 94% according to the portable pulse oximeter.The nurse ignores the oximeter reading and calls the physician to obtain an order for an arterial blood gas (ABG).The nurse does this because many things can cause inaccurate pulse oximetry readings,including which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inaccurate pulse oximetry readings can be caused by outside light sources,carbon monoxide (caused by smoke inhalation or poisoning),patient motion,jaundice,intravascular dyes (methylene blue),nail polish,artificial nails,metal studs,or dark skin.Other factors include peripheral vascular disease (atherosclerosis),hypothermia at the assessment site,pharmacological vasoconstrictors (e.g.,epinephrine),low cardiac output,hypotension,peripheral edema,and tight probes.

The Patient Has New-Onset Restlessness and Confusion