SpO2 and ETCO2 Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in SpO2 and ETCO2 Deck (14)
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1
Q

oximeter - definition

A

a measuring instrument that measures the oxygen in arterial blood

2
Q

Limitations of placing the Oximeter on the fingertip

A

Only shows how much O2 is in the blood at the fingertip

3
Q

How the sensor works

A

The sensor transmits 2 light beams to its receiving detector:

  • Red light absorbed by de-oxyhaemoglobin (de-oxygenated RBC).
  • Infra-red light absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin (oxygenated RBC).

The micro-computer in the unit determines which has the greater absorption and works out a percentage:

  • High infra-red absorption = high oxygen saturation.
  • High red absorption = low oxygenated saturation.
4
Q

Considerations

A
Hypothermia.
Hypovolaemia.
Probe movement.
Nail varnish - artificial nails.
Bright sunlight.
Blood.
Carbon monoxide.
Electrical interference.
5
Q

Capnography - definition

A

Capnography is the monitoring of the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the respiratory gases.

6
Q

Internal respiration - definition

A

Gaseous exchange between the capillary and the cells. (O2 into the tissue cell - metabolism - CO2 into the capillary - blood flow back to the heart and lungs).

7
Q

External respiration - definition

A

Gaseous exchange between the alveoli and the capillary. (CO2 from capillary into the alveolus - O2 from the alveolus into the capillary).

8
Q

Respiratory Cycle

A
Ventilation = Blood - Lungs - Breath
Oxygenation = Lungs - Alveoli - Blood - Organs - Cells (then back to ventilation and round and round it goes)
9
Q

How the monitoring works

A

The etCO2, sensor measures the concentration of CO2 molecules, at the end of expiration, that absorb infrared light.

10
Q

kPa

A

Kilopascals

11
Q

Phases

A

End-Tidal CO2 is taken at D.

A->B = inspiration period.
B->C = breathing out.
C->D = breathing out plateaus but is still slightly increasing.
D->E(E is A as the phase restarts) = inspiration.
C______D
/ \ /
\A__B/ \E__B/

12
Q

Cardiac Arrest

A

CPR assessment attempt to maintain minimum of 1.33kPa

13
Q

Abnormal waveforms

A

Any waveform other than the normal waveform is considered abnormal and MUST be brought to the attention of the Lead Clinician.

14
Q

Remember…

A

etCO2 tells you about ventilation in the chest.

SpO2 tells you about oxygenation here.