National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

When should a physical therapist assistant notify the physical therapist while treating a patient with a pulse oximeter?

1. When the oximeter reading drops below 82%.

2. When the oximeter reading drops below 78%.

3. When the oximeter reading drops below 86%.

4. When the oximeter reading drops below 90%.

The correct answer is: When the oximeter reading drops below 90%.

When treating a patient using a pulse oximeter, the appropriate threshold for notifying the physical therapist is when the oximeter reading drops below 90%. This threshold is based on guidelines that indicate oxygen saturation levels below this figure may suggest hypoxemia, which can pose a risk of inadequate oxygen delivery to vital organs. At levels beneath 90%, a patient may require further assessment or intervention to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of treatment. Maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is crucial for a patient’s overall well-being during therapy sessions, especially when dealing with individuals who may have underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. In contrast, lower thresholds such as 82%, 78%, or 86% may not be as widely recognized as the critical level at which intervention is necessary. It is generally accepted in clinical practice that consistent and prolonged oxygen saturation levels below 90% warrant immediate attention and potentially a reassessment of the treatment plan or the need for supplemental oxygen.