Impact of Skin Color on SpO2 Detection of Hypoxemia
Impact of Skin Color on SpO2 Detection of Hypoxemia is organized by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
Released/Updated: Oct 20, 2022
Expires: Oct 20, 2025
Webinar Summary:
Recent evidence reveals that pulse oximetry devices can overestimate arterial oxygen saturation among racial and ethnic minorities with darker skin pigmentation. This inaccurate data can lead clinicians to miss or delay identification of hypoxemia, which in turn may contribute to delayed implementation of effective treatments. While we expect the healthcare industry is working to improve pulse oximetry devices, that will take some time. In the meantime, how do you ensure appropriate recognition of hypoxemia and provide safe care for your vulnerable patients?
This webinar will help you understand the technology of pulse oximetry and how skin pigmentation can impact the results. You will learn how this inaccurate SpO2 data affects patient care and what you can do to optimize care for darker-skinned patients. Webinar content includes clinical assessments you can use to help gain a realistic understanding of your patient’s condition.
Objectives:
• Briefly describe how pulse oximetry works and what it can/ can’t tell you about your patient.
• Identify the patients who are at risk of pulse oximetry overestimating their oxygenation level.
• List the clinical assessment findings of hypoxemia to help provide a more complete interpretation of a patient’s condition.