ADDRESSING X-RAY AND PULSE OXIMETER



Scenario: Nick was admitted to the hospital with
a history of lung cancer. He calls the nurse with
complaints of a sudden onset of shortness of breath
and sharp chest pain. 

Nick's oxygen saturation was checked using the
 pulse oximeter. It was low and the nurse gave him
oxygen via nasal prongs. The nurse documents and
notifies the doctor of her findings.

What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a device that is used to detect
 the oxygen saturation in the blood. It is generally
 applied to the finger and a patient's oxygen saturation
 is shown. It is a painless and effective test.

Scenario continued: Nick's anxiety, a decrease in
oxygen saturation, a sharp pain in the chest, and
shortness of breath seem to point at a pneumothorax. 

The doctor orders an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
Enjoy watching the video:
Mechanical ventilation

What is an X-Ray?
An x-ray is a very quick and simple diagnostic test used
 to outline organs in the body. It may also show fractures and
 prove to be very useful in confirming a diagnosis, like
Pneumothorax or ARDS. When an x-ray is done, beams
of radiation similar to light are sent through the body and
captured on film.



Above, two nurses are transporting a patient to the ER.
The nurse on the right has been using an AMBU bag to
 administer oxygen.There is no improvement in the
oxygen saturation.
Where does critical thinking come in?

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