Nurses use several methods to assess a patient's oxygenation status, including:
- Pulse oximetry: A non-invasive method that measures the oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the blood. - Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis: This involves taking a blood sample from an artery to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as blood pH. - Observing clinical signs: Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), altered mental status, and rapid breathing can indicate poor oxygenation.
