What is the primary purpose of a pulse oximeter during surgery?

The primary purpose of a pulse oximeter during surgery is to monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels. This non-invasive device measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen, providing real-time data about the patient's respiratory function. During surgical procedures, especially those requiring anesthesia, it's crucial to ensure that the patient's oxygen saturation remains at safe levels, typically above 92%.

An adequate oxygen saturation level indicates that the lungs are effectively transferring oxygen into the blood and that the body's tissues are receiving enough oxygen. If levels drop significantly, it can signal hypoxia, which may necessitate immediate clinical intervention to address potential respiratory or cardiovascular complications.

Monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and anesthesia levels are also important during surgery, but they are not the primary function of a pulse oximeter. Instead, those parameters are often tracked using other devices, such as ECG monitors for heart rate and non-invasive blood pressure monitors for blood pressure assessment.