Competency information
Details
Set up oxygen saturation monitoring equipment in adult patients, interpreting and responding to trends in physiological variables.
Considerations
- National guidance and trust policy (BTS Guideline; Thorax 2008).
- SOP for setting up an oxygen saturation monitor.
- Electrode sites for oxygen monitoring to achieve optimum performance.
- How to minimise patient discomfort in relation to monitoring devices.
- Choice of monitor and monitor settings and rate alarm.
- How to recognise technical artefacts.
- Routine maintenance, calibration and cleaning of oxygen saturation monitors.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 | Outcome Perform a range of bedside monitoring techniques and be able to interpret acute events and actions required, differentiating between physiological and technical abnormalities in patient monitoring techniques. (This should include ECG monitoring, oxygen saturation monitoring and non-invasive BP monitoring.) |