You Have Applied the Pulse Oximeter to a 73-Year-Old Male

Multiple Choice

You have applied the pulse oximeter to a 73-year-old male complaining of weakness and heart palpitations. Your partner reports that the patient's breath sounds are clear and equal with a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute and skin that is warm but pale in color. He continues to state the following vital signs: pulse 92, blood pressure 168/70 mmHg, and SpO₂ 90% on room air. Given this information, which one of the following instructions would be most appropriate?

A) "Let's recheck the SpO₂ in 2 minutes for any change."
B) "The reading must be wrong since he displays no cyanosis."
C) "The SpO₂ is probably normal for him since he is very pale."
D) "Let's give him high-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather."