ABSTRACT: Pulse oximetry is the most commonly used piece of monitoring equipment in general practice. It gives non-invasive objective information on oxygenation and pulse rate and subjective information on pulse quality. Like all electronic anaesthetic monitoring devices pulses oximeters can be used to improve the safety of anaesthesia; however, over-reliance on their use has a number of pitfalls. Foremost is the potential for erroneous measurement. Poor pulse quality, light interference, movement, pigmented tissue can all effect the accuracy and reliability of pulse oximetry. Understanding how the pulse oximeter works and how to assess signal quality is vital if pulse oximeters are to be used in an appropriate fashion. This allows the anaesthetist to ensure that the readings being given and recorded are realistic, which in turn helps decision making and ensures timely intervention.

Author

Matthew McMillan BVM&S, DipECVAA, MRCVS

Matt runs the clinical anaesthesia service at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital. He is a European and RCVS recognised specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. His main interests include patient safety, especially pertaining to anaesthesia, medical error and veterinary education. He led the team that developed the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetist’s Anaesthetic Safety Checklist.

E-mail: mwm32@cam.ac.uk

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 31 (10) • October 2016 pp297-302

To gain access to this article, select one of the links below:

I am a BVNA member

I am accessing through my Institute

I am paying to gain access to this article