Pulse Oximetry

Abstract

This section focuses on the use of pulse oximetry during procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA). Pulse oximetry is the most common monitoring method used during PSA. It is a noninvasive method for monitoring a patient’s peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) of hemoglobin. Its use is recommended in the monitoring of children undergoing various levels of sedation as a means to detect hypoxemia and decrease the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including cardiopulmonary arrest and death. It is a highly reliable modality for detecting oxygen desaturation events. However, understanding its indications and limitations will allow the user to properly identify and manage a desaturation event during PSA.