Monday, September 27, 2010

Does type two respiratory washout affect pulse oximetry reading?

I know that the hypercapnia does not directly affect the reading of a pulse oximeter as they give no information in relation to CO2, and obviously the point of hypoxia will be related to the position on the oxyhaemoglobin curve and may reduce the SpO2 effectiveness. However doesn't an increase in CO2 level move the curve to the right in which covering would this not affect the readings?? I come up with the answer is yes it can. By strict definition of hypercapnia.no.but any kind of resp dud may involve difficulty with oxygenation and so a drop in pulse ox minus addl O2 would be/could be expected at some point.esp when engaging surrounded by any activity increasing O2 demands of the body.which could after decrease the pulse ox again
Are you surrounded by trouble George ?
No, not unless there is binding to the haemoglobin

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