Question

On admission to the ambulatory surgery unit, the nurse notices the client's painted finger nails. On reviewing the pre-op orders, the nurse notes that pulse oximetry has been ordered. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

A) "In order to measure your oxygen level, please remove the polish from at least 2 nails."
B) "If you do not remove all your polish, I will request a needle stick to test oxygen levels."
C) "I am sorry. All your nail polish must go off."
D) "I will ask your provider if we must ruin those beautiful nails."

Answer 1

The nurse should balance the patient's esthetic preferences with the need for an accurate pulse oximetry reading during ambulatory surgery, possibly consulting a provider to decide if nail polish removal is necessary for health monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding pulse oximetry and painted fingernails, the appropriate course of action requires a balance of maintaining the esthetic concerns of the patient with the imperative of medical accuracy. In the context of ambulatory surgery, it is crucial that the pulse oximeter provides an accurate reading of oxygen saturation, which might be impeded by dark or thick nail polish. Nails and health are closely intertwined, as the color and condition of nails can be indicative of various health states, including oxygen saturation levels.

The nurse's statement acknowledges the patient's esthetic concern but also elicits the consultation of a provider to assess the necessity of the nail polish removal, which might be required for accurate pulse oximetry. Moreover, nail care and cleanliness are paramount in the healthcare setting to prevent infection and to ensure accurate readings of health indicators. An assessment must weigh the risks and benefits while taking into consideration the unique needs of each patient.