asked 2 weeks ago
As per the BLS oxygenation standard #3. If pulse oximetry equipment is not functioning or not providing an interpretable waveform, administer high-concentration oxygen to all patients specified in paragraph 2 above, as well as those with critical findings, which include:
A. age-specific hypotension,
B. respiratory distress,
C. cyanosis, ashen colour, pallor,
D. altered level of consciousness, and/or
E. abnormal pregnancy or labour.
Are we only giving oxygen to those sets of people if the waveform or equipment is malfunctioning or are we to give it when ever these presentations are present?
1 Answers
answered 6 days ago
Thank you for the question regarding oxygen therapy when pulse oximetry is not functioning. The standard is written in such a way to ensure that the sickest patients receive oxygen when required. If pulse oximetry is functioning properly, you would only administer oxygen if the patient’s saturations were below 92%. If pulse oximetry is not working or not reliable, then administer oxygen to patients outlined in section 3. There is a cohort of patients who should receive oxygen therapy regardless of saturation values, and these are the patients noted in section 2 of the general directive.
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