Patient CareQuestion 21 of 100
A patient's pulse oximetry reading is 88 percent on room air. What is the appropriate first action?
a.Chart the value as normal and continue the intake interview
b.Recheck placement and perfusion, then notify the provider immediately
c.Repeat the reading tomorrow at the follow-up visit
d.Tell the patient to hold their breath and repeat the reading
Explanation
Normal oxygen saturation is generally 95 to 100 percent, so 88 percent is significantly low and requires prompt provider notification after confirming the probe is properly placed on a warm, clean finger without nail polish. Charting it as normal or delaying to another day ignores possible hypoxemia. Breath holding lowers saturation further and is never used to verify a reading.
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