Which statement about a pulse oximeter reading is correct?
Correct answer: C. It estimates haemoglobin oxygen saturation noninvasively
- A. It directly measures the oxygen content of arterial blood
- B. It remains accurate when peripheral circulation is severely poor
- C. It estimates haemoglobin oxygen saturation noninvasively
- D. It replaces assessment of respiratory effort and mental status
Explanation
Pulse oximetry estimates the percentage of haemoglobin carrying oxygen and does not directly measure total oxygen content. Poor perfusion can reduce accuracy, and the reading must be interpreted with breathing effort, colour and level of consciousness.
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About Vital Signs and Monitoring
Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.
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50 free Vital Signs and Monitoring MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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