What should be checked if the patient's pulse oximeter reading is low?

When a patient's pulse oximeter reading is low, it critically indicates that the oxygen saturation level is below the normal range, which requires immediate assessment. The correct approach is to ensure the patient is in the correct position, as this can significantly influence the accuracy of the reading.

Positioning matters because a pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood by targeting light absorption through the skin. If the patient is in an awkward position or if there's compression on the limb where the device is placed, it can hinder proper circulation and lead to inaccurate readings. Adjusting the patient's position to ensure that it allows for optimal blood flow and unobstructed light passage can help provide a more accurate reading.

In contrast, switching the pulse oximeter to a different hand may not effectively address the underlying reason for a low reading and does not guarantee better results if the same circulation issues are present. Factors such as skin temperature, ambient light interference, or the quality of the device itself are also considerations but are secondary to ensuring proper patient position.