FINGER VERSUS FOREHEAD PULSE OXIMETRY IN LITERATURE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Introduction: Pulse oximetry is a technology for monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) in various clinical settings. However, measurement of SpO2 value can have different accuracy depending on some factors such as the sensor placement (on the finger or on the head). This narrative review was conducted...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
OPI Napoli
2025-05-01
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| Series: | NSC Nursing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.nscnursing.it/finger-versus-forehead-pulse-oximetry-in-literature-a-narrative-review/ |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Pulse oximetry is a technology for monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) in various clinical settings. However, measurement of SpO2 value can have different accuracy depending on some factors such as the sensor placement (on the finger or on the head). This narrative review was conducted to synthetize the better evidence to compare finger and forehead pulse oximetry in patients requiring Sp02 monitoring, in order to identify which method was the most effective for nursing practice.
Objective: to describe the potential effectiveness of pulse oximetry saturation measurement using finger sensors versus forehead sensors, focusing exclusively on their reliability in various clinical conditions.This analysis aims to identify the most accurate method for SpO2 monitoring in nursing practice, particularly when addressing challenges related to peripheral perfusion and motion artifacts.
Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted through the PubMed and CINAHL databases, the selected articles had to answer the following research questions: “Which sensor placement, finger or forehead, is most effective for measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) in patients with compromised peripheral perfusion?”; and “Between finger pulse oximetry and forehead pulse oximetry, which is considered the gold standard for accurate SpO2 measurement? “
Results: Four studies were selected. The selected studies show that forehead sensors provide more reliable and accurate measurements, especially under adverse conditions, due to their resistance to peripheral vasoconstriction and motion artifacts. Finger sensors, while widely used, exhibit limitations in physiologically stressful situations.
Conclusions: The finger pulse oximetry remains the standard in most scenarios, but forehead sensors may provide more reliable readings in critically ill patients with compromised peripheral perfusion. |
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| ISSN: | 2612-6915 |