M3500B HeartStart XLT Defibrillator/Monitor 5-1
5
5 Monitoring SpO
2
Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of continuously measuring oxygen
saturation (SpO
2
) in arterial blood. The resultant SpO
2
reading indicates the
percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the arterial blood which are saturated
with oxygen. SpO
2
monitoring is one of the tools available to assist in assess-
ing a patient’s cardiac and respiratory systems. This chapter explains how
pulse oximetry works and describes how to use the HeartStart XLT to monitor
SpO
2.
SpO
2
monitoring is always available in Manual Mode (if the option is pur-
chased). In AED Mode, SpO
2
monitoring is only available if SpO
2
is config-
ured to 2Q.
For information on printing, storing, and retrieving patient information
acquired while monitoring, see Chapter 9.
WARNIN G Do not rely solely on SpO
2
readings; assess the patient at all times. SpO
2
readings
may be inaccurate in the presence of significant levels of carboxyhemoglobin or
methemoglobin, in patients with restricted blood flow to the extremities (such as
those in severe shock or hypothermia), or in the presence of excessive motion.
