What should be done to maintain accurate readings when a patient's peripheral pulse oximeter is low?

To maintain accurate readings when a patient's peripheral pulse oximeter is low, warming the patient's hands is a beneficial approach. Cold extremities can lead to reduced blood flow in the fingers, where the pulse oximeter is typically applied. This decreased circulation can result in inaccurate pulse oximeter readings, as the device relies on detecting oxygen saturation in the blood circulating beneath the skin.

Warming the hands encourages better peripheral circulation, which can enhance the accuracy of the readings by ensuring more blood flow to the area where the sensor is placed. When the hands are warmed, the increased blood flow allows for more reliable detection of oxygen saturation, thus improving the effectiveness of the pulse oximeter.

In contrast, switching to a larger pulse oximeter may not directly address the issue of cold extremities, and replacing the sensor may not be necessary if the problem is related to peripheral circulation. Using a blood pressure cuff does not provide the functionality needed to measure oxygen saturation and would not be a viable alternative in this situation.