A smoke inhalation victim is having his oxygenation status evaluated in the emergency room by a therapist using a pulse oximeter,which indicates an SpO₂ (oxygen saturation as determined by pulse oximetry)of 87%.How should the therapist interpret this value?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulse oximetry measurement does not accurately reflect oxygen saturation in the presence of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).The pulse oximeter equates COHb with oxygenated hemoglobin and measures the percentage of saturation of available binding sites,regardless of whether the sites are occupied by CO or oxygen.This causes the pulse oximeter to read falsely elevated oxygen saturation values in the presence of COHb.Direct measurement of COHb by co-oximetry is recommended.

A Smoke Inhalation Victim Is Having His Oxygenation Status Evaluated