What does a pulse oximeter measure?

What does a pulse oximeter measure?

• A. The level of hydration of the animal's tissues
• B. The level of oxygen in the blood
• C. The animal's platelet functions
• D. The tidal volume of the animal

Answer: (B)

Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood, usually reported as SpO2, and it also provides a pulse rate. It works by sending red and near-infrared light through a tissue site (like a paw or ear) and detecting how much light is absorbed by oxygenated versus deoxygenated hemoglobin; from this it estimates how much of the hemoglobin is carrying oxygen. This device is used to monitor how well oxygen is being delivered to the blood, especially during anesthesia or sedation in lab animals. It does not assess tissue hydration, platelet function, or tidal volume; those require different tests or monitoring methods.

Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood, usually reported as SpO2, and it also provides a pulse rate. It works by sending red and near-infrared light through a tissue site (like a paw or ear) and detecting how much light is absorbed by oxygenated versus deoxygenated hemoglobin; from this it estimates how much of the hemoglobin is carrying oxygen. This device is used to monitor how well oxygen is being delivered to the blood, especially during anesthesia or sedation in lab animals. It does not assess tissue hydration, platelet function, or tidal volume; those require different tests or monitoring methods.