Beyond the Beep: Pulse Oximetry, Hidden Hypoxemia, and Patient Safety

Catalog

Create Account

Availability

On-Demand

Expires on Oct 28, 2027

Cost

Member: $0.00

Non-Member: $50.00

Resident Member: $0.00

Credit Offered

1 MAC Ed Credit

Explore how pulse oximetry can miss hypoxemia, particularly in patients with darker skin, and how poor perfusion, illness, and other factors can affect readings. Learn practical ways to interpret monitor data alongside clinical assessment, verify discrepancies, and strengthen protocols, handoffs, and device evaluation to support safer, more equitable perioperative care.

Learning Outcome(s):

Describe the physiologic and technical mechanisms by which skin pigmentation and low perfusion affect pulse oximeter accuracy and lead to occult hypoxemia.
Analyze clinical cases and plethysmographic waveforms to identify when SpO₂ readings may be unreliable and determine the appropriate next steps.
Apply practical bedside strategies to reduce risk of missed hypoxemia in diverse patients.
Design a unit-level QI pilot to detect and mitigate SpO₂ inaccuracy across populations.

Supported by Medtronic.

This program has been prior approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology for 1 MAC Ed credits; Code Number 1047364; Expiration Date 10/28/2027.

Jorge Valdes, DNP, Ed.S., CRNA, APRN, FAANA, FAAN
Florida International University

Beth Ann Clayton, DNP, CRNA
University of Cincinnati

Accreditation Information:
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

AANA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP #10862.

Disclosure Statement:
Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Post-Test Attempt Notice:
A minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass this course. You have TWO opportunities to achieve a passing score. If you fail to achieve a passing score of 80%, you will not receive CE credit for this course.

Content Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed within the videos and audio are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

Course content has been prepared by the presenter/developer, and each viewer agrees that the presenter/developer is solely responsible for the content and the accuracy thereof. The viewer agrees that the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Refund Policy:
Continuing education activities are nonrefundable.