A patient’s oximeter reading during calibration is 88%. What is the appropriate response?

When a patient's oximeter reading during calibration is 88%, the appropriate response is to recheck the oximeter placement. This reading suggests the possibility of inaccurate sensor positioning or poor contact with the skin, which can lead to a false low reading. Oximeters require proper placement to ensure they can accurately assess the oxygen saturation in the blood.

Factors such as movement, poor perfusion, skin pigmentation, and sensor positioning can all affect the oximeter's readings. Ensuring that the sensor is appropriately placed can help confirm whether the low reading is an artifact or an accurate reflection of the patient's oxygen saturation. Therefore, checking the placement of the oximeter is crucial to ensuring reliable and valid measurements.

The other choices may not effectively address the issue: placing the probe on the earlobe could also lead to inaccurate readings, as it's important to first verify that the original placement was correct. Increasing the oxygen flow might be unnecessary if the low reading is due to equipment malfunction rather than the patient's actual oxygen saturation. Notifying the physician immediately may be warranted if there are concerns for the patient’s condition, but the first step should always be to verify the measurement itself before escalating the situation.