Pulse Oximeter Quiz

What is the main purpose of a pulse oximeter?

• Measure blood pressure

• Detect heart rate

• Measure oxygen saturation level

• Monitor body temperature

What is the normal range for oxygen saturation level (SPO2)?

• 60 to 79%

• < 80%

• ≥ 95%

• 40 to 59%

What can cause a weak signal in a pulse oximeter?

• Good blood flow

• Bright overhead light

• Dirty sensor

• Proper positioning

What can interfere with the measurement of light transmitted through the skin in a pulse oximeter?

• Nail polish

• Methylene blue

• Different forms of hemoglobin

• Bright overhead light

What does a plethysmograph measure?

• Blood pressure

• Body temperature

• Changes in volume within an organ or whole body

• Heart rate

What is the cause for inaccuracies in pulse oximeter readings due to extraneous movement?

• Movement can cause sensor lose contact with the skin

• Poor contact with the skin

• Motion artifact

• Poor blood flow

What is the principle behind how a pulse oximeter works?

• Measuring blood pressure

• Detecting body temperature

• Detecting color difference between oxygenated and unoxygenated blood

• Measuring heart rate

What is the effect of using methylene blue in surgery on pulse oximeter readings?

• Interferes with measurement process

• Enhances oxygen saturation measurement

• No effect

• Improves accuracy

What does the variability in the pleth waveform of a pulse oximeter indicate?

• Change in blood pressure

• Change in intrathoracic/blood volume relationship

• Change in heart rate

• Change in body temperature

What can cause disruption in the light path used to measure oxygen saturation in a pulse oximeter?

• Proper alignment of the sensor

• Low blood flow

• Bright overhead light

• Good contact with the skin