The only thing that will fool the oximeter is carbon monoxide found in cigarettes and other incomplete combustion. The pulseox will read oxygen saturation and pulse rate so it is also a handy way to keep track of a patient s heart rate. When first put on the finger or toe, a blinking indicator will indicate when the instrument is picking up the pulse accurately, and the display will then light up. If the unit is not picking up the pulse accurately, it will not display either the pulse or the oxygen saturation. There are no controls or adjustments.
Batteries are available at any supermarket, drugstore or hardware store.
It is also important that some patients do not get too much oxygen. Chronic lung patients, in particular, who retain carbon dioxide, should not have too much oxygen as this may decrease their breathing rates. This is an area which needs to be discussed with the treating physician. Once the goal rate is reached by adjusting the flow, it can then be checked periodically with the oximeter. Sometimes a precipitous decease in saturation can be caused by something as simple as a chair sitting on the oxygen tubing.