In nursing, the term desat is short for desaturation. It refers to a decrease in the oxygen saturation level in the blood. Oxygen saturation is a measure of how much oxygen the blood is carrying compared to its maximum capacity. This is typically measured using a device called a pulse oximeter, which clips onto a patient’s finger, toe, or earlobe.
Normal oxygen saturation levels are usually between 95% and 100%. When a patient’s oxygen saturation drops below 90%, it is considered low and may indicate that the patient is not getting enough oxygen. This condition is known as hypoxemia.
Desaturation can occur for various reasons, including respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or even during sleep in conditions like sleep apnea. It can also happen during procedures that affect breathing, such as sedation or anesthesia.
Nurses monitor oxygen saturation closely, especially in patients with respiratory issues or those recovering from surgery. If desaturation is detected, interventions such as administering supplemental oxygen, adjusting the patient’s position, or providing respiratory treatments may be necessary to improve oxygen levels.