Factors Contribute to Neonatal Nurses Pitfalls during Application of Pulse Oximeter in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Neonatal period in the period consider from birth to one month of life or the twenty eight days of life (Taha, 2011) Pulse oximeter is a noninvasive nursing procedure for measuring oxygen saturation to guide oxygen therapy. A sensor composed of alight emitting diode and photo detector is placed in opposition around afoot, hand, finger, toe, forehead and ear lope. The value of pulse oximeter called functional saturation which compares the amount of Hemoglobin (Hb) that is saturated with the total amount of Hb present (Perry & Hockenberry, 2014). Pulse oximeter is essential in the monitoring of neonates. It provides continuous non-invasive beat-to-beat monitoring of oxygen saturation and heart rate.It also provides information about peripheral perfusion and therefore cardiac output and volume status (Glenys Boxwell, 2010). Oximetry can helpful in multiple settings, including the operating or emergency room, special procedures as bronchoscopy, Computed Tomography scanning (CT), postoperative neonates,sleep studies, exercise testing, in neonates with respiratory problems, weaning from supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation,pulmonary rehabilitation and helpful in prescribing home oxygen therapy (Aitkenhead&Moppett, 2013).