Which of the following can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading?

A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device that measures the oxygen saturation level in a patient’s blood. Several factors can influence the accuracy of the readings provided by this device.

Excessive ambient light can affect accurate readings because pulse oximeters use light beams at specific wavelengths to measure hemoglobin saturation. Intense light sources, like sunlight or strong fluorescent lights, can interfere with the device's sensors, leading to potential inaccuracies in the obtained values.

Patient movement can introduce artifacts into the measurement. When a patient fidgets or moves their extremities, it can lead to fluctuations in the readings because the device may struggle to obtain a stable signal from the blood vessels.

Surface skin temperature plays a role as well; if a patient's skin is too cold, peripheral vasoconstriction may occur, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities and, consequently, potentially affecting the accuracy of the oximeter's readings. Colder skin may not allow for optimal penetration of light, which can mislead the sensors and degrade performance.

Given that all of these factors can compromise the reliability of the pulse oximeter readings, the inclusion of all these aspects under a single answer underscores the complexity of achieving accurate oxygen saturation measurements in a clinical setting.