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Some have asked what the difference is between heart rate & pulse. The HR here is measured by the electrical activity (ECG). It’s possible to have electrical activity but no pulse (PEA=pulseless electrical activity)
The pulse oximeter does more than yield an oxygen sat
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The pulse oximeter does more than yield an oxygen sat
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The pulse oximeter can detect changes in blood volume as the arterial pulse expands and contracts the microvasculature. Sometimes the pulse ox won’t pick up a waveform because perfusion is bad, like in a patient in shock.
It’s nice when the HR and the pulse match
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It’s nice when the HR and the pulse match
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You know this patient has restricted blood flow to the lower body.
Which pulse oximetry waveform in this picture is placed on a lower extremity?
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Which pulse oximetry waveform in this picture is placed on a lower extremity?
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This is a concept that comes up in transcutaneous pacing.
You place the pads, you turn up the current, you see electrical capture “hey HR is 100” but pulse ox and manual pulse check say HR is 40. You’re missing mechanical capture. Increase the current till pulse is 100
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You place the pads, you turn up the current, you see electrical capture “hey HR is 100” but pulse ox and manual pulse check say HR is 40. You’re missing mechanical capture. Increase the current till pulse is 100
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