Consolidated Political Compass Test (CPCT) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary function of a pulse oximeter is to measure a patient's heart rate and oxygen percentage. This device works by emitting light wavelengths that pass through a thin part of the patient's body, typically a fingertip or earlobe. The sensor detects the amount of red and infrared light that is absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood. Based on this data, the pulse oximeter can accurately calculate the oxygen saturation level (SpO2), which indicates how effectively oxygen is being transported throughout the body.

Additionally, many pulse oximeters display the heart rate as a side metric, allowing healthcare providers to monitor both oxygen levels and pulse rate simultaneously. This is critical for assessing patients’ respiratory and cardiovascular status, making pulse oximeters a vital tool in clinical and emergency settings. The other choices involve functions that are beyond the capabilities of a pulse oximeter.