# A comfortable, alert client with cold hands has an unexpectedly low pulse-oximeter reading. A manually counted pulse is regular at 75/min. After sensor checks, the nurse reviews these recordings. Click the recording that best supports a reliable pulse-oximeter assessment before interpreting its saturation value.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581176&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Reduction of Risk Potential  
> category: ROR

## Question

A comfortable, alert client with cold hands has an unexpectedly low pulse-oximeter reading. A manually counted pulse is regular at 75/min. After sensor checks, the nurse reviews these recordings. Click the recording that best supports a reliable pulse-oximeter assessment before interpreting its saturation value.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR513.svg)

## Explanation

B has a consistent pulsatile waveform and a pulse rate matching the manually counted 75/min.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
B. B has a consistent pulsatile waveform and a pulse rate matching the manually counted 75/min.
Why this is the best choice
An isolated saturation number is insufficient when peripheral perfusion is poor. Check that the detected pulsations agree with the clinical pulse and that the waveform is stable. B best satisfies both checks here; continue clinical assessment rather than declaring oxygenation normal from this signal alone.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Check signal quality and pulse agreement before trusting the saturation display.
Decision rule
Check signal quality and pulse agreement before trusting the saturation display.
Why the other regions do not fit
A detects twice the manual pulse rate. C has a weak signal and a much lower detected rate. D prints 75/min but has an irregular noisy trace, so the matching number alone is not enough.
**Sources**
- Pulse-oximeter readings can be affected by poor circulation and other factors and should be interpreted with clinical findings.

## Key concepts

- **Pulse-oximeter signal quality and pulse agreement** — Check signal quality and pulse agreement before trusting the saturation display.
- **Comparison with context** — D has the same printed pulse as B but lacks a stable pulsatile signal.

## Related questions

- [A 52-year-old patient is admitted with severe acute pancreatitis. Lipase is 1,800 U/L and …](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=372851&lang=en)
- [A 68-year-old is admitted for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis with WBC 16,000/uL and pe…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=372855&lang=en)
- [A patient with end-stage renal disease is post-op day 1 from a left forearm arteriovenous …](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=373261&lang=en)
- [A 72-year-old presents to the ED with sudden right-sided weakness and aphasia. Family stat…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=373516&lang=en)
- [A 65-year-old is post-op day 1 from a hip arthroplasty. Which nursing action best supports…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=373882&lang=en)
- [A nurse is implementing the CDC STEADI fall-prevention initiative for community-dwelling o…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=374875&lang=en)
- [A patient on day 7 of heparin therapy has a platelet count drop from 220,000 to 80,000 ove…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=374929&lang=en)
- [An 18-year-old with sickle cell disease arrives in vaso-occlusive crisis with severe back …](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=374972&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581176&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581176&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581176&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581176&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581176&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._