MB>   Besides carefully assessing the patient, using the oximeter
MB>as a tool to perhaps verify your initial conclusions would seem to be
MB>the route to stick
MB>to. 
The Pulse Ox is only one tool, and although accurate as far as what it 
measures, what that measurement means can and does vary. If you have two 
different patients each with a O2 sat of 90%, one can be okay, and the 
other can be in dire straights. The best use of the Pulse Ox that I have 
found is to put it on a patient and leave it in the constant monitor 
mode. That CAN help tell you if the patient is getting better, but even 
still is no substitute for good clinical skills. 
Gary
þ CMPQwk 1.42 129 þTwo most common elements: Hydrogen & Stupidity
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