Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Oxygen Saturation
also known as Pulse oximetry
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Place a pulse oximeter probe on a well-perfused site (typically a fingertip, an earlobe, or a toe), aligning the light source and detector across the tissue and ensuring the nail is free of dark polish. Allow the reading to stabilize, confirm that the displayed pulse rate matches the patient's palpated pulse and that the signal is adequate as indicated by a smooth and regular waveform, then record the oxygen saturation (SpO2).
How to Interpret
Showing 6 of 14 findings
Cardiac Tamponade
Oximetry paradoxus ratio 1.2 or above
Rule in
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Moderate
Hepatopulmonary Syndrome
Oxygen saturation <96% in chronic liver disease
Rule in
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Mortality
Oxygen saturation <90% in a hospitalized adult
Rule in
HelpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Pneumonia
Hypoxemia (SpO2 <95% on room air)
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Strong
Asthma Exacerbation
Low oxygen saturation in a child with an acute asthma exacerbation, predicting hospital admission
Rule in
—
Rule out
—
Evidence:Moderate
Peripheral Artery Disease
Reduced lower-limb (pedal/toe) oxygen saturation (toe SpO2 <95%, or a ≥2% toe-to-finger or postural difference)
Rule in
—
Rule out
—
Evidence:Moderate
Related Bedside Tests
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Lung Auscultation
Rule in:VHChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, VHPneumothorax, HMainstem Bronchus Intubation +29 more
Rule out:VHChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, HPleural Effusion, SHInterstitial Lung Disease +28 more
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Jugular Venous Pressure
Rule in:VHShock, HRight Ventricular Infarction, SHElevated Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure +14 more
Rule out:HRight Ventricular Infarction, SHElevated Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure, SHPulmonary Hypertension +14 more
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Respiratory Rate
Rule in:HReduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, SHCardiopulmonary Arrest, SHPneumonia +10 more
Rule out:MHCardiopulmonary Arrest, MHPulmonary Embolism, NHPneumonia +10 more
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Pulsus Paradoxus
aka Paradoxical pulse
Rule in:SHAsthma Exacerbation, SHCardiac Tamponade, IEChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation +2 more
Rule out:VHCardiac Tamponade, SHAsthma Exacerbation, IEChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation +2 more
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Cardiac Auscultation
Rule in:VHAortic Stenosis, VHHeart Failure, VHHypertrophic Cardiomyopathy +37 more
Rule out:VHAortic Stenosis, VHHypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, VHRight-sided Valvular Lesion +37 more
🎬Video coming soon
Blood Pressure
Rule in:VHHypovolemia, VHMortality, VHStructural Brain Lesion +22 more
Rule out:VHCardiac Tamponade, VHHypovolemia, HLow Cardiac Output +22 more