Respiratory care
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Observational Study
Pulse Oximetry Overestimates Oxygen Saturation in COPD.
Measurement of oxygen saturation with a handheld pulse oximeter is widely practiced as a surrogate to invasive arterial blood gas analysis. Oxygen saturation is an important parameter in cases of COPD, but there are insufficient data on the role of pulse oximetry in patients with COPD, moreso in diseases across its spectrum, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. We assessed the performance of pulse oximetry in acute respiratory failure of patients with COPD. ⋯ Pulse oximetry performed poorly in comparison with the invasive arterial blood gas analysis. The variability of the readings was greater in the subjects with chronic bronchitis than in those with emphysema.
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Smoking is a serious problem in prisons. This work aimed to assess smoking-related behaviors and the effectiveness of tobacco cessation therapy in prison. ⋯ Factors like stress and being in prison may provoke smoking. A smoking ban does not seem to be a total solution for preventing tobacco use in prisons. Tobacco cessation programs may be a better option. Cost-free cessation medications may increase quitting rates among prisoners and prison staff.