Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive procedure that is used to measure the oxygen saturation level of the newborn (Pillitteri & Pillitteri, 2013). The device used in pulse oximetry readings contains two diodes that release equal concentrations of red and infrared light concurrently into the tissue bed the electrode is secured (WHO, 2011). The reading that is displayed is the proportion of reduced hemoglobin and oxygenated blood that is calculated and displayed indicating the oxygen concentration within the blood (WHO, 2011). There are factors that can affect the accuracy of the pulse oximetry reading. One factor that can affect the accuracy of the reading is dried blood on the nail bed or foot. This hinders the accuracy of the readings
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One benefit is the ability to modify the care the newborn receives due to the continuous pulse oximetry monitoring (Eichenwald, Perelman, & Pennsylvania, n.d.). The continuous pulse oximetry readings of the newborn will alert the RN of any circulatory issues that need immediate attention. Another benefit of performing continuous pulse oximetry on newborns is the early detection of congenital heart defects (Tin & Lal, 2015). The continuous monitoring allows the early detection of pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, tricuspid atresia, anomalous pulmonary venous return (CDC, 2012). The early detection of the critical cardiac issues ensures early intervention and treatment. However, performing continuous pulse oximetry on a newborn does have its limitations. The limitations include inaccuracy of readings due to the sensor being too small. The sensor pad being too small causes inaccuracy of readings due to improper contact on the vascular surface. Ambient light in the room is another disadvantage. Ambient light in the room can distort the reading of the pulse oximeter (Pillitteri & Pillitteri, 2013). Therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of the reading the newborn need to be covered to prevent the distortion of the sensor light (Pillitteri & Pillitteri, …show more content…
(2012, January 23). Pulse Oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/features/congenitalheartdefects/
Eichenwald, E. C., Perelman, Md. of P., & Pennsylvania. Overview of cyanosis in the newborn. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-cyanosis-in-the-newborn
Ford, S., & Merrifield, N. (2016, September ). The correct use of pulse oximetry in measuring oxygen status. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/assessment-skills/the-correct-use-of-pulse-oximetry-in-measuring-oxygen-status/199984.article
Pillitteri, A., & Pillitteri (2013). Maternal and child health nursing: Care of the childbearing and Childrearing family (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA, United States: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Tin, W., & Lal, M. (2015). Principles of pulse oximetry and its clinical application in neonatal medicine. Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine., 20(3), 192–7. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25704605
WHO. (2011). Using pulse Oximeters. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from
One benefit is the ability to modify the care the newborn receives due to the continuous pulse oximetry monitoring (Eichenwald, Perelman, & Pennsylvania, n.d.). The continuous pulse oximetry readings of the newborn will alert the RN of any circulatory issues that need immediate attention. Another benefit of performing continuous pulse oximetry on newborns is the early detection of congenital heart defects (Tin & Lal, 2015). The continuous monitoring allows the early detection of pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, tricuspid atresia, anomalous pulmonary venous return (CDC, 2012). The early detection of the critical cardiac issues ensures early intervention and treatment. However, performing continuous pulse oximetry on a newborn does have its limitations. The limitations include inaccuracy of readings due to the sensor being too small. The sensor pad being too small causes inaccuracy of readings due to improper contact on the vascular surface. Ambient light in the room is another disadvantage. Ambient light in the room can distort the reading of the pulse oximeter (Pillitteri & Pillitteri, 2013). Therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of the reading the newborn need to be covered to prevent the distortion of the sensor light (Pillitteri & Pillitteri, …show more content…
(2012, January 23). Pulse Oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/features/congenitalheartdefects/
Eichenwald, E. C., Perelman, Md. of P., & Pennsylvania. Overview of cyanosis in the newborn. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-cyanosis-in-the-newborn
Ford, S., & Merrifield, N. (2016, September ). The correct use of pulse oximetry in measuring oxygen status. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/assessment-skills/the-correct-use-of-pulse-oximetry-in-measuring-oxygen-status/199984.article
Pillitteri, A., & Pillitteri (2013). Maternal and child health nursing: Care of the childbearing and Childrearing family (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA, United States: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Tin, W., & Lal, M. (2015). Principles of pulse oximetry and its clinical application in neonatal medicine. Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine., 20(3), 192–7. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25704605
WHO. (2011). Using pulse Oximeters. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from