PULSE OXIMETRY Meaning and
Definition
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Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive medical technique used to measure the oxygen saturation level in a person's blood. It is based on the principle that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood absorb light differently. This measurement is crucial in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory condition, particularly when it comes to detecting hypoxemia, a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood.
Pulse oximetry is performed using a small, clip-like device called a pulse oximeter. It is typically attached to a person's finger, earlobe, or toe, where it emits two different types of light beams, one red and one infrared. These light beams pass through the body part and are detected by a sensor on the other side. By analyzing the amount of light absorbed by the tissues, the pulse oximeter calculates the oxygen saturation level, expressed as a percentage. Typical readings range from 95% to 100% for a healthy individual.
Pulse oximetry is a widely-used diagnostic tool in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care. It is particularly valuable in monitoring patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. It also provides real-time feedback during surgeries and intensive care treatment, allowing for immediate intervention if oxygen levels decrease. Additionally, it assists in evaluating the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and helps to determine the need for supplemental oxygen.
Common Misspellings for PULSE OXIMETRY
- oulse oximetry
- lulse oximetry
- -ulse oximetry
- 0ulse oximetry
- pylse oximetry
- phlse oximetry
- pjlse oximetry
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- p8lse oximetry
- p7lse oximetry
- pukse oximetry
- pupse oximetry
- puose oximetry
- pulae oximetry
- pulze oximetry
- pulxe oximetry
- pulde oximetry
- pulee oximetry
- pulwe oximetry
- pulsw oximetry
Etymology of PULSE OXIMETRY
The word "Pulse Oximetry" is derived from multiple sources:
1. "Pulse" comes from the Latin word "pulsus", which means "beating, pulse, throb". It refers to the rhythmic pulsation of blood in the arteries.
2. "Oximetry" is derived from the word "oxygen" and the Greek word "metron", which means "measure". It refers to the process of measuring the oxygen saturation in the blood.
Combining these elements, "Pulse Oximetry" is a term that describes the measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood by detecting the pulsation of blood vessels.
