Welch Allyn Vital Signs Monitor, Propaq Encore - Quick Reference Guide - Manual (Page 58)

52 Patient monitoring Welch Allyn Propaq Encore Vital Signs Monitor
Pulse oximetry (SpO
2
)
Each SpO
2
sensor is designed for application to a specific site on the patient within a
certain size range. To obtain optimal performance, use an appropriate sensor and apply it
as described in the sensor’s directions for use.
If excessive ambient light is present, cover the sensor site with opaque material to block
the light. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate measurements. Light sources that can
affect performance include surgical lights (especially those with a xenon light source),
bilirubin lamps, fluorescent lights, infrared heating lamps, and direct sunlight.
If NIBP will be monitored while using SpO
2
, place the NIBP cuff on a different limb than
the SpO
2
sensor to help reduce unnecessary SpO
2
alarms. For optimal measurements,
avoid placing the SpO
2
sensor on the same limb as an arterial catheter or intravascular
line.
Loss of pulse signal can occur if the sensor is too tight, there is excessive ambient light,
an NIBP cuff is inflated on the same limb as the sensor, there is arterial occlusion proximal
to the sensor, the patient is in cardiac arrest or shock, or the patient has hypotension,
severe vasoconstriction, severe anemia, or hypothermia.
WARNING Oxygen saturation measurements using pulse oximetry are highly
dependent on proper placement of the sensor and patient conditions. Patient
conditions such as shivering and smoke inhalation may result in erroneous oxygen
saturation readings. If pulse oximetry measurements are suspect, verify the
reading using another clinically accepted measurement method, such as arterial
blood gas measurements on a co-oximeter.
WARNING Tissue damage can be caused by incorrect application or use of a
sensor (e.g., wrapping the sensor too tightly, applying supplemental tape, failing
to periodically inspect the sensor site, leaving a sensor on too long in one place).
Refer to the Directions for Use provided with each sensor for specific instructions
on application and use, and for description, warnings, cautions, and
specifications.
WARNING Sensors exposed to ambient light while not applied to a patient can
exhibit semi-normal saturation readings. Be sure the sensor is securely placed on
the patient and check its application often to ensure accurate readings.
WARNING Inaccurate measurements may be caused by venous pulsations.
WARNING The pulse oximetry option can be used during defibrillation, but the
readings may be inaccurate for a short time.
WARNING A very sudden and substantial change in pulse rate can result in
erroneous pulse rate readings. Be sure to validate the patient data and patient
condition before intervention or change in patient care.
WARNING Interfering Substances: Carboxyhemoglobin may erroneously
increase readings; the level of increase is approximately equal to the amount of
carboxyhemoglobin present. Methemoglobin may also cause erroneous readings.
Dyes, or any substances containing dyes, that change usual arterial pigmentation
may cause erroneous readings.
WARNING Before you use a Propaq monitor on a new patient, always turn off
the monitor for a few seconds, then turn it on again. This clears the prior patient’s
trend values, alarm limit settings, and NIBP cuff inflation target.