Table 1.
Signs and symptoms indicating use of pulse oximetry
| History |
|---|
| Inadequate external respiration |
| Decreased O2 in environment |
| High altitudes40 |
| Enclosures without outside ventilation41 |
| Smoke inhalation41 |
| Toxic gas inhalation41 |
| Inadequate mechanical ventilation |
| Pain26,42 |
| Emphysema42 |
| Pleurisy43 |
| Sleep disordered breathing (eg, apnea)44 |
| Traumatic injuries |
| Rib fractures41,42 |
| Pneumothorax41 |
| Flail chest45 |
| Crushing neck or chest injuries41,42 |
| Other conditions |
| Airway obstruction46 |
| Anxiety42,47 |
| Depression48 |
| Chronic migraines49 |
| Chronic illness50-52 |
| Inadequate oxygen diffusion |
| Pulmonary edema41 |
| Pneumonia53 |
| COPD54 |
| Pulmonary emboli41 |
| Inadequate oxygen transport |
| Anemia |
| Inadequate hemoglobin55 |
| Inadequate # RBCs55 |
| Poisoning |
| Carbon monoxide poisoning41 |
| Inadequate circulation |
| Shock41 |
| Arteriolosclerosis |
| Hypothermia41 |
| Physical examination |
| Signs and symptoms of respiratory compromise |
| Dyspnea55 |
| Accessory muscle use42 |
| Inability to speak in full sentences |
| Adventitious breath sounds55 |
| Irregular breathing pattern55 |
| Abdominal breathing only42 |
| Increased or decreased respiratory rate55 |
| Shallow breathing55 |
| Flared nostrils or pursed lips |
| Unusual anatomy (eg, barrel chest)55 |
| Signs and symptoms of hypoxia55 |
| Restlessness |
| Altered or deteriorating mental status |
| Increased heart rate |
| Increased or decreased respiratory rate |
| Cyanosis |
| Other signs or symptoms |
| Hypertension56 |
Critical signs and symptoms indicating use of pulse oximetry. COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; RBC, red blood cell.