What is the purpose of pulse oximetry in anesthesia monitoring?

• A. To measure blood pressure continuously
• B. To provide continuous measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood
• C. To monitor heart rate variability
• D. To track respiratory rate

Answer: (B)

The purpose of pulse oximetry in anesthesia monitoring is to provide continuous measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood. This technique is crucial during anesthesia as it allows clinicians to assess the patient's oxygenation status in real-time. Monitoring oxygen saturation is vital for ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen and can help identify hypoxemia, which can occur if the airway is compromised or if there are issues with ventilation.

By using a pulse oximeter, the healthcare team can quickly respond to any changes in the patient's condition, making it an essential tool in maintaining patient safety during surgical procedures. As such, the ability to continuously visualize oxygen levels aids in making informed decisions regarding interventions that may be necessary should the oxygen saturation fall below acceptable levels. Other methods such as continuous blood pressure monitoring, heart rate variability assessment, or tracking respiratory rate do not provide specific information about oxygen saturation, which is why they do not fulfill the same role as pulse oximetry in this context.