Question

Which action would the nurse take to ensure accuracy of the pulse oximeter reading when prescribed for an adolescnet?

A) Apply the pulse oximeter to the adolescent's fingertip
B) Make sure the adolescent's hand is cold before applying the pulse oximeter
C) Check the pulse oximeter reading against the radial pulse rate
D) Apply the pulse oximeter to the adolescent's forehead

Answer 1

To ensure accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading for an adolescent, a nurse should apply it to the fingertip and ensure the hand is not cold. Additionally, comparing the oximeter reading with the radial pulse rate can confirm the device's accuracy. Therefore, the correct option is a, b, c.

Step-by-step explanation:

To ensure the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading for an adolescent, the nurse should:

1. Apply the pulse oximeter to the adolescent's fingertip. This is the standard location for the device, as the fingertips have a good blood flow and the device can easily detect the oxygen levels through the capillaries.
2. Ensure that the adolescent's hand is warm, not cold, before applying the pulse oximeter. Cold extremities can lead to vasoconstriction, which can decrease blood flow and result in inaccurate readings.
3. Check the pulse oximeter reading against the radial pulse rate to confirm that the device is picking up the pulse effectively and providing an accurate reading of the oxygen saturation.