What is the purpose of using a pulse oximeter?

The purpose of using a pulse oximeter is to measure blood oxygen saturation levels, specifically the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen. This tool provides critical information about a patient’s respiratory status and overall oxygenation, which is vital for patient assessment and management in various clinical settings. By evaluating how much oxygen is being delivered to the tissues, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding treatment, such as the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions to manage respiratory distress or hypoxia.

Although other monitors, such as heart rate monitors or blood pressure cuffs, serve different diagnostic functions, they do not provide information about blood oxygen saturation, which is crucial in assessing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or during emergency situations involving respiratory failure.