Under what circumstances should pulse oximetry be performed?

Pulse oximetry is a valuable non-invasive monitoring tool used to assess the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. Performing this test PRN (as needed) based on respiratory symptoms is appropriate because it allows healthcare providers to gather vital information when a patient presents with particular concerns, such as shortness of breath, cough, or any respiratory distress.

By conducting pulse oximetry when symptoms are present, healthcare providers can identify potential hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory therapies. It also helps in determining whether further diagnostic tests or interventions are necessary, ensuring that care is targeted and responsive to the patient's immediate health status.

Routine testing during every visit or limiting it to specific patients, such as those known to have respiratory issues or only those reporting headaches, would not provide a comprehensive or practical approach, as many patients may develop respiratory symptoms unexpectedly, and not all respiratory compromise is linked solely to past diagnoses. Thus, using pulse oximetry based on current respiratory symptoms offers a more effective and responsive strategy for patient care.