GNRS 554 Med Surg Exam 1 Review: Vitals
Questions and Answers| Latest Update
Disadvantages of tympanic membrane temperature -More variability of measurement than
with other core temperature devices
-Otitis media and cerumen impaction distorts readings
-Does not read well if taken right after exercise
Advantages of skin temperature -Inexpensive
-Provides continuous reading
-Safe and noninvasive
-Used for neonates
Disadvantages of skin temperature -Measurement lags behind other sites during
temperature changes, especially during hyperthermia
-Adhesion impaired by diaphoresis or sweat
-Reading affected by environmental temperature
-Cannot be used for patients with allergy to adhesives
Factors affecting body temperature Age, exercise, hormone level, circadian rhythm, stress,
environment, and temperature alterations
, Factors affecting heart rate exercise, temperature(fever + heat), acute pain, emotions,
medications, hemorrhage, postural changes, pulmonary conditions(ex COPD and asthma)
Factors affecting respiration exercise, acute pain, anxiety, smoking, body position,
medications, neurological injury, hemoglobin function
factors affecting determination of oxygen saturation (general) Interference with light
transmission and interference with arterial pulsations
What interferes with light transmission affecting the oxygen saturation reading? Outside
light sources interfere with ability of oximeter to process reflected light.
• Carbon monoxide (caused by smoke inhalation or poisoning) artificially elevates SpO2 by
absorbing light similar to oxygen.
• Patient motion interferes with ability of oximeter to process reflected light.
• Jaundice interferes with ability of oximeter to process reflected light.
• Intravascular dyes (methylene blue) absorb light similar to deoxyhemoglobin and artificially
lower saturation.
• Black or brown nail polish or metal studs in nails and thickened nails (e.g., artificial) can
interfere with light absorption and the ability of the oximeter to process reflected light.
• Dark skin pigment sometimes results in signal loss or overestimation of saturation.
What are some interfering arterial pulsations that affect the oxygen saturation reading? •
Peripheral vascular disease (atherosclerosis) reduces pulse volume.
• Hypothermia at assessment site decreases peripheral blood flow.
Questions and Answers| Latest Update
Disadvantages of tympanic membrane temperature -More variability of measurement than
with other core temperature devices
-Otitis media and cerumen impaction distorts readings
-Does not read well if taken right after exercise
Advantages of skin temperature -Inexpensive
-Provides continuous reading
-Safe and noninvasive
-Used for neonates
Disadvantages of skin temperature -Measurement lags behind other sites during
temperature changes, especially during hyperthermia
-Adhesion impaired by diaphoresis or sweat
-Reading affected by environmental temperature
-Cannot be used for patients with allergy to adhesives
Factors affecting body temperature Age, exercise, hormone level, circadian rhythm, stress,
environment, and temperature alterations
, Factors affecting heart rate exercise, temperature(fever + heat), acute pain, emotions,
medications, hemorrhage, postural changes, pulmonary conditions(ex COPD and asthma)
Factors affecting respiration exercise, acute pain, anxiety, smoking, body position,
medications, neurological injury, hemoglobin function
factors affecting determination of oxygen saturation (general) Interference with light
transmission and interference with arterial pulsations
What interferes with light transmission affecting the oxygen saturation reading? Outside
light sources interfere with ability of oximeter to process reflected light.
• Carbon monoxide (caused by smoke inhalation or poisoning) artificially elevates SpO2 by
absorbing light similar to oxygen.
• Patient motion interferes with ability of oximeter to process reflected light.
• Jaundice interferes with ability of oximeter to process reflected light.
• Intravascular dyes (methylene blue) absorb light similar to deoxyhemoglobin and artificially
lower saturation.
• Black or brown nail polish or metal studs in nails and thickened nails (e.g., artificial) can
interfere with light absorption and the ability of the oximeter to process reflected light.
• Dark skin pigment sometimes results in signal loss or overestimation of saturation.
What are some interfering arterial pulsations that affect the oxygen saturation reading? •
Peripheral vascular disease (atherosclerosis) reduces pulse volume.
• Hypothermia at assessment site decreases peripheral blood flow.
