Pulse oximeter Home care (1559)

What is a pulse oximeter?

It is a monitor that checks oxygen levels in the blood. It should be used throughout the day. Your child’s doctor may have you use it continuously if needed.

How do I hook it up?

1. Connect the probe to the monitor cable.
2. Turn the machine on.
3. Put the probe on the hand, foot, finger, or toe. Be sure that the light sensors line up.

Note: If the oximeter is used for more than spot checks, the probe must be moved every 8 hours to
prevent burns.

Special directions

• Bright lights may give a false reading. Use a sock, mitten, or blanket to cover the probe.
• Measure your child’s pulse oximeter reading when they are calm. Lots of movement will give a false reading.
• If the machine alarms, check your child:
  - Is your child breathing faster or slower than normal?
  - Does your child's skin color look different than normal?
  - Is your child sweating or does the skin feel cold to the touch?
• Do not place probe over nail polish.
• Always use the monitor:
  - While your child is sleeping.
  - When you cannot see your child.
  - As instructed by your child’s physician.
  - If you are in the car alone with your child or on a long car ride.

Do not change the amount of oxygen your child is getting unless told to do so by your child’s doctor.

Problem-solving

• Is the probe on your child’s hand or foot?
• Are the connections at the cable and probe tight?
• Is your child moving or upset?
• Is there a good signal on the monitor? You should see a wave form or a signal bar.
• Is the probe in direct light?
• Is the probe too loose or too tight?

Problem-solving continued

• Check your child’s pulse and compare it with the heart rate reading on the monitor:
  - If your child’s heart rate matches the O 2 Sat (oxygen saturation), the reading is correct.
  - If your child’s heart rate does not match the O 2 Sat, the reading is a false reading.

Note: If the old probe still isn’t working after trying all of the steps above, try a new probe.

How do I clean it?

• Unplug the machine.
• Wipe the monitor off with a damp cloth.
• Wipe non-disposable probes off with alcohol.
• Change disposable probes as instructed by your home care provider.

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.