What is the purpose of using a pulse oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device primarily designed to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood. It works by using light absorption characteristics of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin to estimate the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. This measurement is crucial in various clinical settings, as it helps assess respiratory function and the effectiveness of oxygen therapy.

Monitoring oxygen saturation is vital for determining whether a patient is getting enough oxygen, which can inform interventions necessary to improve respiratory health. Pulse oximetry is especially beneficial in assessing patients with respiratory conditions, during anesthesia, or in emergencies where quick assessments of oxygenation levels are needed.

While the other choices may refer to important aspects of patient monitoring, they do not pertain to the specific functionality of a pulse oximeter. Blood pressure measurement, assessment of heart rate variability, and evaluation of carbon dioxide levels require different types of devices and methodologies, thereby distinguishing pulse oximetry's specialized purpose in oxygen saturation assessment.