WENDELL A.

ESCALANTE BSN-III

WRITTEN OUTPUT
Respiratory
Pulse Oximetry
3 Reusable Probes:
Digital Probe
Earlobe Probe
Disposable sensor pad
Reusable Probe
Digit Probe
Readings are more accurate
Easily to apply, conforms to various sizes
Yields strong correlation with SaO2
Earlobe
Clip-on smaller and lighter through positional digital probe
Greater accuracy at lower saturations
Least affected by decreased blood flow
Disposable Sensor Pad
Can be applied to a variety of sites : earlobe of adult, nose bridge, palms or
sole of infant
Less restrictive for continuous SpO2 monitoring
Expensive
Contains latex
Skin under adhesive may become moist and harbor pathogens

Advantage
Simple
Painless
Disadvantage
Is affected by factors that affect light transmission, such as outside light
sources or client motion.

WENDELL A. ESCALANTE BSN-III

Normal Ranges
SpO2 : 95 % to 100 %
Value less than 85 % indicate that oxygenation to the tissues is inadequate.
Nursing Considerations
The nurse should know the patients hemoglobin level before evaluating
oxygen saturation because the test measures ONLY the percentage of oxygen
carried by the available hemoglobin.

Spirometry
Spirometry measures the volume of air in liters exhaled or inhaled by a patient
over time. It can be used to measure a degree of airway obstruction and evaluates
response to inhaled medications.
Spirometer an instrument that measures lung volume and airflow.
Incentive Spirometry
Incentive Spirometry provides visual reinforcement for deep breathing by the
patient
This assists the patient to breathe slowly and deeply to sustain maximal inspiration.
Encourages the patient to maximize lung inflation and prevent or reduce
atelectasis.
Optimal gas exchange is supported and secretions can be cleared and
expoctorated.
Teaching Patients to use incentive spirometer:
Assist patient to upright position if possible.
Remove dentures if they fit poorly.
Medicate with ordered pain medication if needed.
Demonstrate how to steady device with one hand and hold mouth piece with
the other hand
Instruct patient not to breathe through his or her nose. Use a nose clip if
necessary.
Instruct patient to inhale slowly and as deeply as possible through the mouth
piece.
Tell patient to hold breath and count to three. Check position gauge to
determine progress and level attianed.

WENDELL A. ESCALANTE BSN-III

Instruct patient to remove lips from mouth piece and exhale normally.
Tell patient to complete breathing exercises about 10 times every hour as
possible. Rest in between breaths as necessary.

RESPIRATORY
CHEST X-RAY
This test shows the position of normal structures, displacement, and presence of
abnormal shadows.
It may reveal pathology in the lungs in the absence of symptoms.
Nursing and patient Care Considerations:
Should be taken upright if patients condition permits. Assist technician at
bedside in preparing patient for portable chest x-ray.
Encourage patient to take deep breath, hold breath, and remain still as x-ray
is taken.
Make sure that all jewelry in x-ray field are removed so as not to interfere
with film.
Consider contraindications for pregnant clients.