Clinical QuickiePulmonary
Hypoxemia / Low SpO2
SpO2 is an estimate, not a diagnosis.
Confirm the signal
Poor perfusion, motion, nail products, dyshemoglobinemia and device limitations can make pulse oximetry misleading.
Know the mechanism
Hypoventilation, V/Q mismatch, shunt, diffusion limitation and low inspired oxygen are different physiologic pathways to hypoxemia.
Baseline matters
COPD, ILD, chronic hypoxemic disease and altitude can shift the expected baseline; compare with prior values and clinical state.
Treat the patient, not only the number
Respiratory effort, mental status, hemodynamics, ABG/VBG context and the suspected cause determine urgency.
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