Bedside tests

Question 1

Pulse oximetry:

What is it?

When is it used?

What is the normal target?

What can cause an inaccurate reading?

Answer 1

Peripheral oxygen SATS

Acutely ill/deteriorating patients

94-98%
88-92% in those with lung disease

Poor perfusion
Movement
Nail vanish
Skin pigmentation

Question 2

ABG:

What does it measure?

Where is it done?

Answer 2

pH

PaO2

PaCO2

HCO3-

Radial and femoral artery

Question 3

Sputum exam:

What does the following sputum suggest?:

• Clear and colourless
• Yellow-green/brown
• Red
• Black
• Frothy, white and pink

Answer 3

Chronic bronchitis

Pulmonary infection

Haemoptysis

Smoker
Coal dust

Pulmonary oedema