When measuring a patient's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, which action should the medical assistant take?

When measuring a patient's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, checking capillary refill is significant because it provides information on blood perfusion and circulation to the area where the sensor is applied, usually the finger or earlobe. Good capillary refill indicates that there is adequate blood flow, which can enhance the accuracy of the pulse oximeter reading. If there is compromised blood flow due to constricted blood vessels or other factors, it may lead to misleading or inaccurate readings.

In situations where there is poor circulation, such as in cold extremities, the pulse oximeter may not function properly, leading to erroneous results. Therefore, confirming the capillary refill time helps ensure that the patient's peripheral circulation is adequate for an accurate assessment of oxygen saturation.