Paramedic National Registry Practice

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What two values does the pulse oximeter measure?

Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate
Oxygen saturation and pulse rate
Heart rate and blood pressure
Pulse rate and blood glucose

The correct answer is: Oxygen saturation and pulse rate

A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device used to measure the oxygen saturation level of the blood as well as the heart rate. The primary function of a pulse oximeter is to provide a quick and reliable estimate of the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen (SpO2), which is crucial in assessing a patient's respiratory function. In addition to oxygen saturation, the device also monitors the pulse rate, which reflects how many times the heart beats in a minute. This measurement is helpful in evaluating cardiovascular health and can indicate various conditions when assessed alongside oxygen levels. The other options propose measurements that are not functions of a pulse oximeter. For instance, respiratory rate is typically monitored using different methods, while heart rate and blood pressure require specialized equipment. Additionally, blood glucose monitoring is entirely unrelated to pulse oximetry and is conducted using separate devices designed specifically for glucose measurement.